When Overqualification Still Isn’t Enough: The Harsh Reality of Being a Black Woman in America

In light of recent events, it’s time to address a harsh truth that Black women know all too well. No matter how overqualified we are, no matter how hard we work, and no matter the accolades we collect, it often still isn’t enough. The outcome of this election—where a convicted felon, a former reality TV star with a track record of racism, misogyny, fraud, and open disdain for countless communities somehow triumphed over a candidate like Kamala Harris—is a glaring example of how deeply ingrained biases continue to undermine Black women in this country.

Kamala Harris has spent decades building an impressive career in public service. Her qualifications are indisputable, her achievements numerous. Yet, despite her long list of accolades, she was deemed “not enough” in comparison to a man whose primary qualifications seem to be privilege and notoriety. This outcome is a slap in the face to Black women everywhere who know all too well the feeling of being overlooked, underestimated, and undervalued in the face of our undeniable overqualification.

The Constant Need to Overperform

In professional spaces, Black women are no strangers to having to be twice as qualified to get even half as far. We push ourselves, often beyond exhaustion, because we know the stakes. We know that our mistakes aren’t forgiven, our humanity isn’t always seen, and our accomplishments are rarely celebrated in the way they deserve. We strive, we overachieve, and we rise to levels of expertise and capability that should speak for themselves. But still, it’s not enough.

This isn’t just an unfortunate reality—it’s a systemic issue rooted in prejudice and a pervasive unwillingness to recognize Black women as the powerful, capable individuals we are. This election outcome is a reflection of a broader societal problem, one that shows us how much further we still have to go.

The Emotional Toll of Constantly Being Undervalued

Being consistently overlooked and undervalued isn’t just frustrating—it’s detrimental to our mental health and well-being. The burden Black women carry, both personally and professionally, is immense. We are expected to keep pushing forward, to stay resilient, and to endure. But at what cost?

When our voices go unheard, our concerns dismissed, and our achievements minimized, it chips away at our spirit. This reality takes a toll on our mental health, our sense of self-worth, and our sense of belonging in spaces where we deserve to thrive. And yet, despite the emotional and psychological weight we carry, we are told to “stay strong,” to “rise above,” and to “turn the other cheek.” This resilience is celebrated, but rarely are we allowed the space to simply be—to be seen, to be valued, to be enough.

The Lack of Support and Protection—Even Among Our Own

One of the most painful aspects of this journey is the lack of support we experience, even from our Black male counterparts. Too often, Black women are left to fend for themselves in professional spaces, our concerns dismissed or minimized. We have been left unprotected and unseen, told that our experiences are an overreaction or that our perspectives aren’t as valuable.

This needs to change. Black women deserve to feel supported, protected, and valued—not just by allies, but by those who share our struggles, our history, and our challenges.

It’s Time to Reclaim Our Power

This election outcome, while discouraging, is also a call to action. Black women are done allowing our bodies, minds, and spirits to be misused, mistreated, and dismissed. We are done being undervalued and overworked, carrying the weight of this country on our backs without the recognition or respect we deserve.

This is a call to my sisters, to like-minded Black women everywhere, to reclaim our birthright, to tap into our divine feminine power, and to stand together as the force we truly are. This is our moment to rise—not by overachieving for validation, but by standing unapologetically in our power, our worth, and our resilience.

It’s time for us to create spaces where we are seen, where we are heard, and where we are valued. We don’t need to prove ourselves to anyone but each other, and we don’t need to ask for permission to take up space. Let us band together, in unity and strength, and let us remind the world of the undeniable power of Black women.

This is more than a call for resilience; it’s a call for revolution. Together, we are a force—one that has always carried this country forward, one that continues to rise no matter how hard they try to hold us down. Let’s reclaim our narrative, our power, and our future.

To Black Women Everywhere: You Are Enough. You Have Always Been Enough. And Together, We Will Continue to Rise.

Join the Melanated Goddess Circle 💜✨If you’re a Black woman seeking a supportive, empowering community where you can reconnect with your divine feminine power, express yourself authentically, and find strength in sisterhood, I invite you to join the Melanated Goddess Circle. This is a safe space for healing, growth, and unity—where your voice is heard, your experiences are valued, and your journey is honored. Together, let’s rise. 💪🏾