During the 76th Annual Emmy Awards on Sunday, Jon Stewart’s heartfelt gratitude towards his Daily Show senior correspondents was a highlight.

However, amid the congratulations, there was one significant and glaring oversight: Dulce Sloan, the only Black female correspondent on the show, was not mentioned during his acceptance speech, rendering her invisible to the masses. Although this omission may seem minor to some, for many Black women in the workplace, it’s a painfully recurring and familiar experience.

For many Black women across various industries, such instances of being slighted are experienced way too often. These moments of being seemingly “overlooked”—whether in award acknowledgments or promotional opportunities—are subtle forms of microaggressions. Such slights, may seem insignificant, but contribute to larger systemic issues, including potentially hostile work environments that could possibly prevent career advancement and professional recognition.

Unfortunately, Dulce Sloan’s oversight isn’t just an isolated incident, but a reflection of the biases Black women often face in their professional lives. These microaggressions can chip away at their confidence and professional growth opportunities.

The reality is that Black women are frequently expected to navigate these issues with grace and a smile on their faces. So, how do they continue to thrive despite these challenges?

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One way Black women can continue to thrive is by self-advocating, ensuring their achievements are visible, well-documented, and often discussed amongst the masses and/or leadership. Keeping a record of successes, contributions, and feedback is crucial. It’s also crucial to toot your own horn in spaces and places that may seem uncomfortable or improper. Doing this can make a difference during performance reviews or promotion discussions, providing clear evidence of their high value and impact.

Building a strong support network is another key strategy. Relationships with mentors, advocates, and allies can provide guidance and advocacy. These relationships are about more than just career advancement, they’re also about having a support system that can speak your name in rooms you’re not in, offer substantive advice and intervene or speak up on your behalf when needed. Networking both within and outside one’s organization opens new doors and creates opportunities for growth and development.

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Assertive communication is equally important. Like tooting one’s own horn, Black women should feel empowered to discuss their accomplishments and express their career goals openly. Initiating conversations about their contributions and aspirations helps ensure they are recognized and considered for opportunities. It’s about owning their own narrative without being perceived as “showing off.”

Despite all the obstacles Black women face, they continue to succeed, excel, and make significant contributions across various fields. Their successes are not just about individual accolades but about breaking through barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and setting new standards.

The lack of recognition for the Dulce Sloans of the world is a difficult reality to confront and applies to Black women everywhere. It serves as a reminder that, while progress has been made in acknowledging Black women’s achievements, there is still much work to be done to address and eliminate systemic microaggressions. Organizations must actively work to address these biases and ensure all contributions are acknowledged. Until such changes are universally implemented, Black women must continue to rise, achieve incredible things, and make an impact against all odds.

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The post Overlooked But Undeterred: Jon Stewart Failing To Thank Dulce Sloan In His Emmy Acceptance Speech Is Another Example Of Black Women Being Invisible In The Workplace appeared first on MadameNoire.