What does it mean to be Black at Google?

I became Black in America ~ Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

My first work trip/visit to Google’s campus in Mountain View, CA (October 2022)

1. It’s a deeper understanding of my racial identity — as a Black person, a Black person at Google and a Black person in America.
2. It’s the realization that I am NOT lucky to be here. I am MEANT to be here. I deserve to be here.
3. It’s the recognition that as different as we are, we share the same struggles, worries, challenges and ambitions as Black people.
4. It’s the fact that as Black people, we are unique in our own indescribable, unquantifiable way.
5. It’s the re-emphasis, the re-iteration that who I am brought me to Google and I should allow it to shape the work that I do rather than hinder it.
6. The Collective means Friendship and Belonging amongst a community of people who actually like me for me, for just being BLACK.

How do I like being Black in America? I’m learning to love, embrace and accept it fully 🖤

Author’s note: Originally written on March 17, 2023 after attending ‘The Collective’ capstone event in Atlanta, GA — an onboarding program for Black Nooglers (new Googlers) to encourage us to Stay & Thrive at Google. I joined Google since May 31, 2022 and it’s been life-changing to say the least.