It's hard enough being a person of color in the workplace. The challenges we face, especially black women, can occur frequently and unjustly. Sadly, it's an issue that seems to follow up around no matter how far we climb up the career later. That seems to be clear by recent events.

Activist Brittany Packnett created the hashtag #BlackWomenAtWork in response to the statements made about Rep. Maxine Waters by political commentator Bill O'Reilly. Fed up with the constant criticism black women face in the workplace, Packnett invited black women to chime in with their varied experiences — the good, the bad and the ugly. It took off like wildfire.

This happens to black women everyday at work.
Share your Maxine and April moments, so people don't think this is rare. Use #BlackWomenAtWork

— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) March 28, 2017

Some women shared their stories of microaggressions.

Pulling into my own reserved parking space and being told by a random WW that cleaning people can't park there. #BlackWomenAtWork

— Gina PrinceBythewood (@GPBmadeit) March 28, 2017

You speak so well #BlackWomenAtWork pic.twitter.com/YZneOYqHSO

— SiliconValleySteph (@ItsStephAlof) March 28, 2017

Others spoke of their powerful resistance against unfair workplace "policies".

When everyone "LOVES" you & your work,so much, that you train people who end up being promoted before you. #uracoginawheel #BlackWomenAtWork

— MeandMsPiggy (@IluvTheFlash1) March 28, 2017

In 2000, overheard my supervisor, a black woman, say to a co-worker, "She won't get anywhere with that afro." NTS, I quit. #BlackWomenAtWork

— Eva Arizona (@eva_arizona) March 28, 2017

Hair straightened: "You've got the job!"

Hair natural: "Could you pls wear your hair neat like it was when we hired you?" #BlackWomenAtWork

— K 😉 (@kayewinks) March 28, 2017

Some addressed gender.

"That's ambitious." #BlackWomenAtWork

— ravyn of the south (@ravynlw) March 28, 2017

#BlackWomenAtWork When you are called the name of your Black female co-worker who looks nothing like you. We all do NOT look alike!!!

— Kim Prince (@kprin7) March 28, 2017

Some, race.

Finding out the white woman who is younger, no advanced degree, and much less work experience makes more #BlackWomenAtWork

— Rebecca M. Jones (@RebeccaMJones_) March 28, 2017

As the assistant manager at a retail store a white customer told me "I want to speak to the people in charge not the help" #BlackWomenAtWork

— Micia Girl (@_miciagirl) March 28, 2017

And the intersection of the two.

#BlackWomenAtWork I corrected a white female coworker, she cried, we ended up in a meeting with management. Mgr said "be nicer if you can". pic.twitter.com/FMDNROIHw2

— Michonne Grimes (@tammie_grier) March 28, 2017

But, even with all the eye-roll inducing moments, some women shed light on the powerful impact and advances black women had experienced in their respective careers.

Michelle Obama – Our most intelligent and elegant First Lady.#BlackWomenAtWork pic.twitter.com/MqGjwTn06G

— Crystal Johnson (@Crystal1Johnson) March 28, 2017

#BlackWomenAtWork – Bold, Confident, Assertive, knowing that we can define and decide our worth. pic.twitter.com/oUjAxPuila

— Denise (@browncdngirl) March 28, 2017

The commentary amongst the community was phenomenal. Stanning for the dialogue is an understatement. It just goes to show that no matter the injustice and workplace bias, black women still rise to the top.

Photo: GIPHY