The Third Conscious Existence NO ONE wants to talk about.

Reflecting on WEB, Dubois' Double Consciousness concept highlights how marginalized individuals, like African Americans, grapple with their identities shaped by personal and societal perspectives. This dual awareness challenges us to recognize the struggle of navigating different social realities, impacting self-esteem and belonging. The theory emphasizes how systemic inequities and societal norms influence self-perception and relationships. It stresses the importance of creating an inclusive society that embraces diverse identities and unity. Dubois' theory calls for empathy, understanding, and solidarity to make a fair and harmonious community. In continuation, I impose the idea of a third consciousness among African Americans — Womanhood.

Expanding on the Theory of a Third Consciousness: Black Womanhood

Black womanhood represents a unique intersection of race and gender, leading to distinct experiences and perspectives that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives yet tokenized to accomplish change and success in society. I introduce this third consciousness theory to highlight that the lived experiences of Black women offer a valuable and distinct viewpoint essential for a comprehensive understanding of society and human existence.

Historically, Black women have been marginalized and silenced, facing intersecting forms of discrimination based on both their race and gender. This has resulted in a deep well of resilience, strength, and wisdom within the Black female experience that contributes uniquely to the collective consciousness.

The Professional Black Woman

Black women often face systemic barriers and biases that can impact their experiences in the workplace. This third consciousness adds another layer of existence, leading to distinct challenges and opportunities in professional environments. These challenges may include microaggressions, discrimination, tokenism, and lack of representation in leadership positions. Black women may find themselves having to navigate stereotypes and biases while striving to assert their expertise and capabilities. Despite these obstacles, the third consciousness can also empower Black women to bring a valuable perspective to the proverbial table, drawing from their rich experiences and insights.

In professional settings, Black womanhood as third consciousness can manifest in various ways, from advocating for diversity and inclusion initiatives to challenging existing norms and practices that perpetuate inequality. By acknowledging and embracing this intersectional identity, organizations can foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace where Black women can thrive and contribute fully to their potential.

The Strong Black Women

The perpetuation of the strong Black women trope can be further reinforced by disregarding this third consciousness through the continual portrayal of Black women as unyielding pillars of strength in the face of adversity. By ignoring this consciousness may inadvertently overlook the complexities and vulnerabilities within Black women, emphasizing only their resilience and fortitude. Focusing solely on their strength can dismiss their need for support, nurturing, and self-care, contributing to the stereotype that Black women must always be self-sufficient and indestructible. This perpetuation can be damaging as it places unrealistic expectations on Black women to embody this ideal at all times, disregarding their humanity and individuality.

The Youth of Black Women

As a career coach and HR consultant, I recognize the critical importance of acknowledging and understanding the youth experiences of black women. By failing to address the unique challenges they faced during their formative years, we overlook a crucial aspect of their development and potential barriers they may encounter as they navigate their paths to success. We must actively listen to and uplift the voices of young black girls, ensuring that their perspectives, struggles, and triumphs are not disregarded or marginalized. Likewise, we must create spaces for nurturing and healing the little black girl in black women today so that they may be greater in their endeavors. Only by recognizing and honoring the lived experiences of black women can we provide the necessary support and guidance to empower them to reach their full potential in both their personal and professional lives.

By recognizing and elevating the voices and experiences of Black women, society can gain new insights and solutions to complex problems. Embracing the third consciousness of black womanhood means acknowledging the interconnectedness of all our experiences and valuing the diversity of perspectives each individual brings.

In essence, the theory of a third consciousness – black womanhood – underscores the importance of inclusivity, equity, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of race or gender. By honoring the full spectrum of human experience, we move towards a more enlightened and harmonious existence for all.

Author's Notes & Reflections: This was written to broaden understanding and discussion of African American experiences, not to create division or represent all Black women.

I am not just professional and black but also a woman. Black girls are taught early on how to present “like a lady,” not a child. The training ground for how to be appropriate in a society that prefers us to be in the background — is “speak when spoken to,”; “don’t be too loud,”; “fix your face, wipe those tears, and smile.” When entering the workplace in my 20s, I was all too trained in how women should present themselves- especially in leadership roles. Don't be too loud, or too direct, or too harsh. But if you are too soft and caring, it can be seen as weak. My natural state of compassion is seen as counterproductive to my leadership aspirations. My genuine care for others is seen as a weakness in strategic decision-making. Being a lady and being a leader while black is the triple-confuckery I live in every day. And so, I speak, write, and coach about it so that my daughter and young girls behind me won’t have to!