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just did something that felt scary even though it shouldn& #39;t have -- a brand with a large online following reached out inviting me to speak in a zoom talk series they& #39;re doing in an effort to "amplify black voices." i asked if this was a paid opportunity. they said it was not.
the rep explained that while the interview was not paid, they are a big fan of my writing and would love to bring my perspective to the brand’s large audience. but they "totally understand if it won’t work out."
i responded by confirming that no compensation was, indeed, a dealbreaker. i added: “In this moment when we’re all figuring out more equitable ways to amplify black and brown voices, I would highly recommend considering how important compensation is in that equation."
such an incredibly banal and obvious observation, but one that i don’t think i would have shared as a 20-something writer trying to find my footing in a very white industry. so, i& #39;m proud of myself.
i am exhausted. i have been writing (about race) all weekend. i literally haven’t slept since saturday. my mind, my time, and my opinions have value. asserting that value can be hard, but it& #39;s so so important.
but what& #39;s equally important is that the people who claim they want to amplify voices like mine ALSO see that value and pay accordingly. i& #39;m supporting myself and three other family members, as well as family back home. this shit ain& #39;t a game.
anyway. felt the need to share that, for somebody, somewhere. wish me good luck on getting through the rest of this day lol.
