Equal Pay Day: A Call for Change and Equity
As a black woman navigating the world of communications, the reality of Equal Pay Day feels like both a necessary reminder and a call to action. Equal Pay Day marks the day when, on average, women’s earnings have caught up to men’s earnings from the previous year. For women of color, that day comes even later. For example, Black women in the U.S. typically have to work almost 20 months to earn what white men earn in just 12.
As a woman of color pursuing a career in communications, this disparity is not just a statistic to me—it’s a reminder that the road ahead is still long, and we have a responsibility to demand change.
I think of women like Minda Harts, a powerhouse in the workplace equity movement and the author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table. Minda’s work focuses on empowering women of color to break through the barriers that exist in corporate spaces, particularly in the face of systemic discrimination. She’s a fierce advocate for the professional development of Black and Brown women, and her voice has empowered countless women to understand our worth and advocate for ourselves.
Minda is unapologetic in saying that equal pay isn’t just a “women’s issue”—it’s a racial justice issue. Her work has made me realize that navigating my career in communications will require more than just talent; it will require asserting my value, demanding recognition for my contributions, and fighting for the pay that aligns with my work.
Another woman I look up to is Shonda Rhimes. As a groundbreaking producer, writer, and showrunner, Shonda’s journey in an industry known for its pay gaps is nothing short of inspiring. Shonda didn’t just make a name for herself; she redefined the space for women of color in television. Her shows, like Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, became cultural touchstones because she prioritized creating complex, nuanced characters, many of whom were women of color.
Shonda’s work isn’t just about representation on screen; it’s about breaking barriers behind the scenes too. She made history by securing a record-breaking deal with Netflix, affirming that women of color can, and should, be paid what they are worth. Her story reminds me that my voice and my perspective as a Black woman in communications have incredible value, and I can push for equal pay by proving that my contributions, big or small, are worth the investment.
As a first-gen student, I am aware that the pay gap isn’t just about salary; it’s about opportunity, access, and resources. Equal Pay Day serves as a reminder that women of color are still fighting for a level playing field, one where our work and our contributions are valued just as much as our white counterparts. Whether it’s through the stories we tell in the media or the messages we craft in advertising, we have the power to reshape the narrative around pay equity. But this shift won’t come without continued effort.
For me, Equal Pay Day isn’t just a day to recognize the disparities in pay. It’s a day to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go. This day is a call to action for every woman of color in creative fields, like communications, to fight for what we deserve. We can’t afford to settle for less than our worth. We have to advocate for ourselves and for the women coming up behind us, demanding fair pay and equitable opportunities.
If anything, Equal Pay Day should remind us that the fight for equal pay isn’t over. But with women like Minda Harts and Shonda Rhimes leading the way, I’m confident that we’ll continue to make strides. The road ahead may be challenging, but it’s up to us to keep pushing for the change that will create an industry, and a world, where women of color are paid what we deserve.
