Equal Pay Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a stark reminder that the woman’s fight for pay equity is far from over! We work just as hard, bring just as much talent to the table, and yet, our pay checks still don’t reflect our worth.
On a special episode of Grace & Grind, Dr. Pamala Brown-Grinion and Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson broke down the systemic barriers that continue to shortchange us—and, more importantly, how we can advocate for ourselves while maintaining grace and professionalism.
Key Takeaways:
Black and brown women often face systemic barriers to pay equity that require strategic self-advocacy.
Identifying and showcasing individual strengths and contributions is crucial for negotiating fair compensation.
Perseverance, courage, and the ability to navigate internal and external obstacles are essential for achieving pay equity.
Equal Pay Day: A Stark Reminder of Wage Disparities
In 2025, Equal Pay Day falls on March 25, symbolizing how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. This date highlights the ongoing gender pay gap, with White women earning approximately 83% of what men earn for full-time, year-round work. However, the disparities are even more severe for Black and Latina women.
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day is observed on July 10, while Latina Equal Pay Day is on October 8—emphasizing the additional months these groups must work to match the earnings of their white male counterparts. These dates serve as a sobering reminder that pay inequity is not just a women’s issue but a systemic economic problem that demands immediate attention and action.
Why Are We Still Here? The Pay Gap Reality Check
Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson didn’t hold back when discussing how existing policies sustain pay inequities. According to her research, Black and Brown women make as little as $0.31 for every dollar a white male earns. That’s not just a number—it’s millions of dollars lost over a lifetime.
She shared a personal story that hit home: receiving a job offer that was $30,000 lower than the verbally agreed-upon range. Her first reaction? “Am I being punked?” The salary was supposed to be competitive, yet the offer didn’t reflect that. Still, she didn’t just accept it—she negotiated an additional $9,000 because she knew her worth.
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The "Angry Black Woman" Stereotype and the Cost of Speaking Up
One of the biggest roadblocks to advocating for fair pay? The fear of being labelled "angry" or "difficult." Many Black women hesitate to push for what they deserve because they don’t want to be dismissed or alienated.
Dr. Brown-Grinion emphasized the importance of building a strong portfolio—a toolkit of accomplishments that speaks for itself. This way, when it’s time to ask for a raise, you have the receipts.
Dr. Wilson takes it a step further with her "Act Up" workshop, designed to help Black women advocate for themselves effectively. She explains:
A stands for Assessment—know where you stand.
C is for Courage—because courage comes before confidence.
T means Tapping into Your Strengths—use what you have.
U is for Understanding Your Worth—don't let self-doubt stop you.
P is for Passion—stay focused on what drives you.
How Black Women Can Advocate for Themselves
It’s not enough to just know the pay gap exists—we need strategies to close it.
Create a "Treasure Map" – Unlike a vision board that focuses on goals, a treasure map highlights the skills and assets you already have to get there. Identify what makes you an asset to your company and use it to negotiate.
Speak Up Regularly – Don’t wait for annual reviews to showcase your value. Keep a running list of your wins and make sure your supervisor is aware of them.
Find Your Tribe – Solidarity is power. Having allies in the workplace—especially other Black women—creates a stronger, more supportive environment for advocacy.
The Bigger Picture: Race, Gender, and Pay Equity
Pay inequities don’t exist in a vacuum. They are tangled in a web of race, class, and gender biases that make it harder for Black women to move ahead.
“When we walk into a room, all of those things are there, right? As compared to our counterparts… they may only be navigating two.”
But instead of letting these barriers hold us back, we can use them to fuel our purpose. Every time we speak up, we’re paving the way for the next generation of women to step into workplaces where they don’t have to fight for what’s rightfully theirs.
The Fight for Equal Pay is Everyone’s Responsibility
Black women shouldn’t have to bear the burden of fighting for equal pay alone. Companies, policymakers, and allies must step up and take action.
“A village is built one hut at a time, one house at a time.”
We all have a role to play in dismantling pay inequities and ensuring that Black and Brown women are paid what they deserve.
🔗 Resources to Take Action:
📌 Pay Equity Acts – Learn about the Modern Pay Act, Paycheck Act, and Equal Pay Act
📌 Totally “You”-nique Institute of Excellence – Elevating professional development
💡 About Our Guest:
Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson is a leading advocate for pay equity and economic justice for Black women. With a background in policy, strategic planning, and community engagement, she’s on a mission to ensure fair wages and workplace opportunities for all. Through her leadership at Friends in Recovery New York, she’s changing lives by empowering individuals and influencing systemic reform.
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