Using My Blackness For Likeness

I haven't been able to write on Vocal for some time, and I'm noticing some things that are starting to rub me the wrong way. I'm only providing constructive criticism, and I refuse to hold back my thoughts and opinions about the platform. I am welcome to communicate with those in charge to improve black voices.

I'm pissed

I'm mad

I'm frustrated

I'm discouraged

I want to quit Vocal

As someone who has African blood in my veins, I'm disappointed that companies like Vocal use my black skin for likeness. Using George Floyd and Breanna Taylor's death as a marketing tool to gain more Vocal/Vocal+ members shows that absolutely nothing will change.

Congratulations, Vocal; you've written countless pieces about black lives mattering but have you taken any action? Well, let's see, since December of 2020, how many black creators have been a Vocal Spotlight? Or how many black creators won a challenge? A few months ago, you had an extravagant party in NYC celebrating Vocal creators. How many black creators did you invite? How is it possible to read our stories if you don't invite us to the table? Within your company, how many black faces have you hired?

What happened last year during a global pandemic was horrific. I still suffer from PTSD with nightmares of Ahmaud Arbery's death. I am waking up in cold sweats replaying his final moments. I continually get nervous when my brother, who lives in another state, steps foot outside, hoping he gets safely from point A to point B. To stare into my niece's bright, beautiful brown eyes to think that one day they might be labeled the "angry black woman."

I constantly get anxious when thinking about stepping foot into the corporate world to face low-paying wages and microaggressions in the workspace. I can't slap a BLM bumper sticker on my car or wave a BLM flag. Why? Because I live being black every damn day. As someone who's been called a nigger as early as seven years old, I don't appreciate you, Vocal, using our trauma and pain as talking points. While I appreciate you asking me to be a part of your Black History Month series this past February, I can honestly say that a feature isn't enough.

Can you stop pretending to be ahead of the curve? Can you stop pretending that you are "down for the cause?" Look at your habits. How many black stories have become Top Stories? Where is your Vocal Black Creators Coalition? Not a CEO, manager, or public relations rep reached out to me for suggestions.

I've been with Vocal before it became popular. Since 2018 to be exact. So I'm somewhat of a seasoned vet. As someone who has given your company free advertising, I would appreciate it if you appreciate me. I've written articles about the bias amongst black women in the medical field and poetry about my blackness—none of those highlighted. But, you did crown me a Top Story about fictional characters in the Marvel Universe.

Attempting to place a bandage over our pain doesn't work. I need you to do better. I'm sick of the once in a blue moon articles about black life, challenges for you to rank our black stories and pain, your social media highlighting "never giving up" stories.

I'm by no means discrediting the writers who have written those stories. I'm saying that despite your acknowledgment, it's still the same song and dance. If you don't plan on taking any action to move your company further and to have more diversity and inclusion, then do me a favor and keep my blackness out of your mouth. Clearly, you want our rhythm but don't want our blues.

If you are looking for a group of writers who supports, provide feedback, reads, like, and provide tips, then join Vocal Creators Saloon. A small community with tons of advice and writing prompts will help you through your writer's journey.