Full Description
Escape the Cape, From Existing to Evolving: Amplifying Voices of Black and Brown Women in the Mental Health Profession examines the narratives of Black and Brown women all over the world who adherently take on the Superwoman Persona. The imaginative armor of a cape contributes to the normalcy of trying to "do it all" for others while neglecting the self. The book amplifies the voices of Black and Brown women in the mental health and academia professions who needed a healthy outlet to shed light on their experiences.
This book stems from an asset-based approach where chapter authors highlight the ebbs and flows they experienced in the workplace due to having melanated skin and/or identifying as Black and Brown. So many Black and Brown women have suffered in silence because of exploitive workplace politics and practices and haven't felt safe, valued, or heard; the "need" of Black and Brown women became greater than their humanity. Escape the Cape, From Existing to Evolving is a call to action. It contributes to elevating scholarly conversations for employers who are seeking strategies in promoting equity in the workplace.
Contents
Chapter 1. A Loving Invitation to Black Women; Alexis Hunter
Chapter 2. The Art of Showing Up for & By Women of Color; Cassaundra Guzman
Chapter 3. Help, I'm Over This!; Natasha Wright
Chapter 4. "For Melanated Women: Lit but Burned Out"; Qutina Watson
Chapter 5. "But You Make it Look Easy": Overworked, Underpaid, Thrice as Good, and Walking Away; Brittany Smotherson
Chapter 6. Strong Black Women Cry: Finding Academic Wholeness; Jennifer N. Bacon
Chapter 7. Coloring in the Blackout Days; Natina Gurley
Chapter 8. There's Beauty in Vulnerability Within the Workplace; Cassaundra Guzman
Chapter 9. Our Voices Matter: The Lived Experiences of Black Women Seeking Career Advancement; Arah Parker
Chapter 10. When the cape gets too heavy: Strategies for navigating superhumanization at home and work; Courtney J. Jones Carney, and Neijma Celestine-Donnor
Chapter 11. VF Burnout; Lindsey Hamilton
Chapter 12. "No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga": Learning your worth, learning it is okay to ask for help, and the importance of finding your circle; Jennifer Alanis, Leticia Romo, and Jami Hinshaw
Chapter 13. I Don't Wear Capes that Clash with My Wardrobe!; Deborah D. Ford
Chapter 14. No weapon formed against us shall prosper: An accounting of weaponized self-care and using it as a weapon; Avina I. Ross, and Heather Cramer
Chapter 15. Removing the Cape-Sometimes; Latonia V. Moss
Chapter 16. Victory through Vulnerability; Laquala C. Dixon
Chapter 17. Still a Superwoman on My Terms: Exchanging the Superwoman Robe for More Comfortable and Relaxed Garments; Jennifer Malone
