Working While Black: Stories from black corporate America

After George Floyd’s death at the hands of a white police officer in May, protests against systemic racism have geared up again across the country, prompting companies to speak out in support of racial justice. They're sharing lengthy statements declaring "black lives matter" to staff and the public, pledging millions to social justice organizations, and marking Juneteenth as a company holiday. Leaders are apologizing and resigning over problematic company culture.

But systemic racism within the workplace won't be resolved in one news cycle. Over half of black employees have felt racism at work, one study shows. Only 3.2% of executives and senior manager–level employees are black, and only five Fortune500 CEOs are. Black men are paid 13% less than white men; black women are paid 39% less than white men and 21% less than white women, according to another study. They ask for promotions and raises at about the same rate as white women, but get worse results.

Fortune put a call out for black employees to share their experiences in the workplace. We received responses from executives, middle managers, and entry-level staffers; we heard from people working in tech, finance, media and entertainment, insurance, nonprofits, fashion, health, and more. Altogether, they reveal the humanity behind the numbers. And they reveal that no matter what companies are saying right now, there is much work to be done.

By: Karen Yuan, Fortune