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.
Tasha M. Wilson, MSW, MEd, is a subject matter expert in succession planning, crisis intervention, leadership development, and project management. She currently works in local government and is an international bestselling author and speaker.
Chapter 1. A Loving Invitation to Black Women; Alexis HunterChapter 2. The Art of Showing Up for & By Women of Color; Cassaundra GuzmanChapter 3. Help, I’m Over This!; Natasha WrightChapter 4. “For Melanated Women: Lit but Burned Out”; Qutina WatsonChapter 5. “But You Make it Look Easy”: Overworked, Underpaid, Thrice as Good, and Walking Away; Brittany SmothersonChapter 6. Strong Black Women Cry: Finding Academic Wholeness; Jennifer N. BaconChapter 7. Coloring in the Blackout Days; Natina GurleyChapter 8. There’s Beauty in Vulnerability Within the Workplace; Cassaundra GuzmanChapter 9. Our Voices Matter: The Lived Experiences of Black Women Seeking Career Advancement; Arah ParkerChapter 10. When the cape gets too heavy: Strategies for navigating superhumanization at home and work; Courtney J. Jones Carney, and Neijma Celestine-DonnorChapter 11. VF Burnout; Lindsey HamiltonChapter 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 HinshawChapter 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 CramerChapter 15. Removing the Cape–Sometimes; Latonia V. MossChapter 16. Victory through Vulnerability; Laquala C. DixonChapter 17. Still a Superwoman on My Terms: Exchanging the Superwoman Robe for More Comfortable and Relaxed Garments; Jennifer Malone