When I was growing up, my mom used to say, “I don’t trust no one. And when I’m in love, I don’t trust myself.” At the time, I didn’t have enough experience to understand what she meant. But as an adult, I have an idea.

Welcome to our February series— this month's focus is a blend of Black History and Love, and it’s titled Love + Business. This week, we explore examples from Black literature, history, and modern society, focusing on romantic couples navigating the delicate balance between love and success.

We’re standing on the threshold of another holiday season, a time when many of us naturally gravitate towards reflections and gratitude. Yet, it's also a season that may clash with or complicate our ambitions and career goals.

Welcome to the third and final installment of the “dirty-girl effect” series. Two weeks ago, I introduced the idea of the dirty-girl effect. In short, I defined it as a process of “dirtying” that women experience in their private and public lives…

“A black woman with a PhD is worse than a woman with HIV.” I didn’t respond. Instead, I looked over at his wife. I wondered about how she felt hearing him say that. She put her head down. I wondered what it meant for her to be married to a man who held that belief. How far could she rise and grow with a partner who felt that way? And then I wondered what it meant for me, a black woman who was, at the time, earning a PhD.

“Never accept ‘no’ from someone not authorized to tell you ‘no.’”