.@MaxineWaters on Bill O'Reilly comments: "I am a strong black woman and I cannot be intimidated" #inners https://t.co/B1vRE4nelt
â All In w/Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) March 29, 2017
"I am a strong Black woman and I cannot be intimidated, I cannot be undermined," Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters declared on MSNBC last night. "Don't allow these right-wing talking heads, these dishonorable people to intimidate or scare you. Be what you are, do what you do, and let us get on with discussing the real issues of this country."
This message, especially at a time when sexual predators and bigots are running this country, undoubtedly resonated with women of color across the country. Waters' speech followed yesterday's rude and racist remarks fired at her and American Urban Radio Networks reporter April D. Ryan. Recall what happened below.
African-American woman in Congress speaks up against the president, Bill O'Reilly says he won't listen because of her hair. pic.twitter.com/GVOkZNBNX9
â Media Matters (@mmfa) March 28, 2017
And here's what Ryan, a veteran White House reporter, had to endure from Trump press secretary Sean Spicer.
Here's Sean Spicer telling April Ryan not to shake her head. pic.twitter.com/ojHnkt7MVW
â Matthew Gertz (@MattGertz) March 28, 2017
There was an uproar about Ryan's and Waters' treatment on social media. Even Hillary Clinton stuck up for the two women:
Hillary Clinton talked about @MaxineWaters and @AprilDRyan earlier today. #BlackWomenAtWork (h/t @yashar)
pic.twitter.com/pUS3z4N92p
â Beatrice-Elizabeth (@MissBeaE) March 28, 2017
What Rep. Waters and Ryan endured yesterday isn't uncommon for minority women and other marginalized groups. Their treatment inspired the #BlackWomenAtWork hashtag yesterday eveningâand it's disturbingly relatable.
Every black woman meets at least 3 @oreillyfactor's and 5 @seanspicer's a day.#BlackWomenAtWork
â Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) March 28, 2017
#BlackWomenAtWork consistently put in more hours/yr than white women all across the wage distribution https://t.co/unbzg5QrAR pic.twitter.com/f8V5IVFy1W
â Valerie R Wilson (@ValerieRWilson) March 29, 2017
News Director: When I first hired you Tyler I didn't expect you to be so verbose.
Me:
#BlackWomenAtWork pic.twitter.com/c4Xox5wlsi
â GirlTyler (@sheistyler) March 28, 2017
Being quiet = having a "attitude"
Speaking up = "angry"
Being micromanage tho I'm overqualified for my position. #BlackWomenAtWork
â Maria Young (@_RiaYoung) March 29, 2017
Arrive to keynote. White faculty ask me to go get them some water. I get it. Then tell them why I'm really there. #BlackWomenAtWork
â Traci Blackmon (@pastortraci) March 29, 2017
If I had a nickel for every time I was thanked and "appreciated" instead of compensated, I'd have a livable wage. #BlackWomenAtWork https://t.co/TFw4qeZJZo
â a.m. (@prettydarke) March 29, 2017
Me: hey I really loved this script..is that role open?
Them: Oh, we aren't will to "go ethnic" on that role #BlackWomenAtWork in Hollywood
â jurnee smollett (@jurneesmollett) March 29, 2017
Visitor: "Can I speak to the principal?" Me:"I am the principal." #BlackWomenAtWork
â Teresa JamesRobinson (@DeltaDiva1971) March 29, 2017
Me: *makes a suggestions in meeting*
-Silence-
A white: *Says same exact thing I just did
Whole room: #BlackWomenAtWork pic.twitter.com/zv9Z6gNKaJ
â Viola's Wigs (@_OnlyBlackGirl) March 28, 2017
Saluting my sisters telling their truth via #BlackWomenatWork. Onward for all of us. Queens, we can't be stopped. xo pic.twitter.com/8TyUsZv784
â Ava DuVernay (@ava) March 29, 2017
Listen to Black women, minority women, and LGBTQ+ folks. And take action.