Curriculum
Addressing Microaggressions for Black Professionals & Allies
Overview
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Module 1 - Understanding Microaggressions: The Subtle Yet Significant Harm
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Lesson 1 - Defining Microaggressions: What are they, and why are they harmful?
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Lesson 2: Microaggressions vs. Overt Racism: Understanding the Difference and the Insidious
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Lesson 3: Types of Microaggressions: Microinsults, Microinvalidations, and Environmental Microaggressions – with Real-World Examples
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Lesson 4 - The Impact of Microaggressions: Exploring the Psychological, Emotional, and Professional Consequences
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Lesson 5 - The Connection to Systemic Bias: How Microaggressions Reflect and Perpetuate Larger Systems of Inequality
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Quiz: Understanding Microaggressions
Module 2 - Recognizing Common Microaggressions Faced by Black Professionals
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Module 3 - Managing Your Emotional Response
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Module 4 - Responding Effectively: In the Moment and Over Time
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Module 5 - Self-Advocacy and Setting Boundaries
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Module 6 - Building Allies and Support Systems
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Module 7 - Promoting Inclusive Practices and Driving Change
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Video lesson
Lesson 1 – Defining Microaggressions: What are they, and why are they harmful?
Welcome to Module 1, Lesson 1!
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, and sometimes even seemingly complimentary, everyday slights, snubs, or insults that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to individuals from marginalized groups.
Some examples of microaggressions include:
- Being mistaken for service staff: Even in professional settings, Black professionals are sometimes mistaken for the help. This reinforces the idea that Black people are less likely to hold positions of power or authority.
- Being excluded from informal networks: Not being invited to after-work drinks or other social gatherings can make it harder to build relationships and advance in a company. It can also foster a feeling of not belonging.
- Being asked to speak for the entire Black community: Black professionals are sometimes asked to represent the views and experiences of all Black people, placing an unfair burden on them. This assumes a monolithic Black experience and disregards individual perspectives.
- Comments about “reverse racism” or “playing the race card”: These comments invalidate the real experiences of racism and discrimination faced by Black professionals.
Access this lesson to understand why microaggressions are harmful.
Ready to learn more about the difference between microaggressions and overt racism? Click “Complete & Next” to go to the next lesson, Module 1, Lesson 2: Microaggressions vs. Overt Racism: Understanding the difference and the insidious nature of microaggressions!