FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Claudia Espinel
Lean In Women of Color
press@blackwomensequalpay.org
917-480-7251
Women Leading the Battle for Equity Gather to Advocate for Closing the Pay Gap for Black Women
During Black Women Equal Pay Day commemoration, Lean In Women of Color is amplifying the voice of people leading actions to close the pay gap.
CHICAGO, August 1, 2019 — On August 22, 2019, Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, Lean In Women of Color in partnership with The Impact Alliance NFP and Speak Truth Summit is organizing a national effort to raise awareness about the pay gap impacting black women in the United States. Gender and race equality is critical in organizations that want to perform at their highest level. However, currently, black women have to work 233 more days than white non-hispanic men to earn the same amount of money.
To commemorate this day, there will be screenings held in Chicago, Lansing, St. Louis, and New Jersey of the movie Invisible Warriors that chronicles the story of the first Black women to work in industry and government administrative service during World War II. Cities will also hold panel discussions to talk about the social impact of the pay gap for black women and give organizations practical steps that they can start implementing. “The pay gap is widening for women of color. This is unacceptable. We are elevating the conversation about the pay gap because our past efforts have not been enough.’ says Julene Allen Chair of Lean In Women of Color. Carla M. Kupe, Founder of Speak Truth Summit and The Impact Alliance NFP says, “As leaders it’s important that we are honest about the biases and discrimination that women of color are facing every day and not shove the realities of their experiences under the rug.”
On this day, Lean In Women of Color will also launch a podcast series that promotes leadership advice from black women leaders who reached the top of their industries such Illinois State’s Attorney Kim Foxx; Andrea Zopp, CEO of World Business Chicago; and Amy S. Hilliard, Former President of Fashion Fair Cosmetics. The podcast will highlight the strides that black women are making in the country and move the conversation about the importance of closing the pay gap.
The main event will take place in Chicago at the Wing located in Fulton Market, on August 22 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Journalists are invited to register by emailing press@blackwomensequalpay.org with your name and organization. This event is happening thanks to the support of the Chicago Council on Science and Technology and Studio B Entertainment.
###
Across the board, the leadership gap between men and women is significant, but for women of color, the gap is greater. Lean In Women of Color is a champion in the mission for diversity and inclusion and responds to the unconscious biases that often get in the way. Lean In Women of Color confronts some of these challenges and promotes resources for individuals, companies, and communities. We want to arm all women with the right tools to accomplish their goals. In addition, we want them to keep “the seat” warm so more women can thrive!
About The Impact Alliance NFP
The Impact Alliance NFP, a diversity, equity, and inclusion culture change consulting firm which mission to educate entities on how to foster organizational cultures centered on diversity in all forms (i.e. race, ethnicity, sex, gender identification, religion, generation, ability, etc.) and inclusivity in all facets of the organization and to facilitate socially just culture transformation for the good of the organization as well as those they impact.
