This week, esp @SenKamalaHarris has made me think of an incident early on on TT. A colleague asked me to do something on a Thur or Friday. I told them I could address it the next week. I just learned my father’s cancer was back & my son was just tested for a serious disease.

I didn’t tell them because it wasn’t their business. But they were going to Hawaii & wanted me to do it before they left. I spoke clearly and firmly - I hadn’t ever talked to them that assertively before. But I could handle it while they were gone. I was driving & on Bluetooth.

I received an email afterwards. They, a White woman, said she cried after the call and wanted to meet to talk about our working relationship. But we would have to meet in a public setting because she was now afraid of me.

I never told anyone this. I felt embarrassed. But I now realize I suddenly turned from a pet to a threat. Another example of how Black women have to mind our faces, our tone and our words. Suffice it to say we never worked together again and I found my voice.

Meant to put this here.... https://twitter.com/alexesharris/status/1314762087885803521