I will not be silent, and I will not be silenced.
Censorship and shadow-banning continue to be huge issues for Black and brown content creators on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. The more we agitate, the more we are algorithmically suppressed.
I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Fast Company on the topic. Here are my high-level thoughts:
On exposure: Fast Company, y’all!! Please allow this little girl from Barbados some grace and space to freak out. Never thought I would see the day when I would even be mentioned in such a publication. Wow.
On amplification: This all came about because Ashanti Martin, one of my LinkedIn friends, realized that I was experiencing serious censorship issues, and chose to pass this opportunity my way. Ashanti also happens to be a respected journalist who has been published in the New York Times. Grateful to her for passing the baton my way.
On networking: I have never been a fan of “networking”, as it is traditionally thought of. I can’t do small talk and disingenuous connections. So anyone with whom I interact on social media is getting the real me. (Sometimes to my detriment, lol). All of which is to say: just treat people well. Do unto others, etc. etc., without asking for, or expecting anything in return. Everything does not have to be transactional. Be genuine, and watch the blessings flow right back to you.
On gratitude: Nothing is accomplished on one’s own. I’m grateful to Ashanti for getting the ball rolling, and connecting me to Walter Geer III. I’m grateful to Walter for in turn connecting me to Steven Melendez, who wrote the piece. Grateful to Steven for the interview. Also grateful to everyone who has been supporting and encouraging me in my anti-racism journey.
On never giving up: Anti-racism work is not for the faint of heart. It is exhausting to continuously push back against a system that has been entrenched for centuries. So most of the time, doing the work is, frankly, lonely and frustrating. But every now and then, the clouds part, and there is a moment of light. Today was one of those moments for me.
So for now, I’m clapping for myself, and celebrating this win. Tomorrow, the work continues. Here’s the link to the piece, if you’d like to read it:
As Black users complain of censorship, LinkedIn faces a perception problem
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Unless otherwise stated, text and images ⒸLisa Hurley/@happyhappyphoenix
I’m clapping for you too, Lisa. Huge congratulations! An awesome achievement!
Thanks so much, Mama