Being a Black Journalist in New England

The Boston Globe has an op-ed piece from WCVB Producer Nneka Nwosu Faisonand about how she says that how she has dealt with bing a Black Journalist in New England.

She writes, “I’m the first Black woman to serve as executive producer of “Chronicle.” Unfortunately, a lot of Black people feel the burden of being an example for their race.

I have to overperform just to be seen as good enough. When Twitter was this novel thing, and our station wanted someone to figure it out, I said OK, sure, I’ll do it. I started a podcast and tried to increase our presence on social media. When I was pregnant recently, I asked my boss if there was a way I could work two days a week while I was on maternity leave. I’m always trying to do more.”

She adds, “There was also a Black woman at a competing station while I was there, and one of my bosses said something like “Ours is better.” I didn’t know what a microaggression was until recently, but I didn’t take it as a compliment.

An agent I sent a tape to once told me “Your skin is so dark.” When I got off the phone with him, I cried. He might have been one of the reasons I said OK, I think I’m done being on air. The problem is, and I’m sure every woman feels this way, you’re not judged on how hard you work or how many sources you have. It’s your hair and your weight. People told me to fix my teeth; I fixed my teeth. I can’t really change my skin tone.”

You can read her full take here.