Morgan Cox’s Post

Not a social post but, this is something I feel needs to be addressed. Over the weekend I was invited to a friends work event and couldn’t help but notice how many of her colleagues were addressing her by a name that wasn’t hers. Mind you she’s been working at this company for almost 6 months. When I asked her why she doesn’t address that issue she said “I’ve tried but, they don’t care enough I guess”. I often hear and see firsthand how Black women in the workplaces are overlooked, starting with something as basic and powerful as our names. A name is not just a collection of letters. it’s a reflection of identity, culture, and belonging. For Black women, who already navigate workplaces where they can feel unseen or undervalued, being repeatedly misnamed sends a clear message that you don’t matter enough to be recognized or try to remember my name. In a previous role, my experience was a name badge with multiple names that weren't mine as a “joke”. It might seem small to some, but constantly being called the wrong name especially in the workplace cuts deeper than you think. Names matter. They carry our identity, history, and humanity. Yet, Black women are often overlooked in this regard. We are misnamed, mistaken, or minimized. Whether it’s from carelessness, lack of effort, or unconscious bias, the message sent is clear. You don’t matter enough for me to get this right. But here’s the truth: Black women do matter. Our presence in professional spaces are earned. Our contributions are vital. And our names deserve to be spoken correctly. If you struggle with a colleague’s name, ask, clarify, and commit to getting it right. Because honoring someone’s name is honoring them. It goes beyond just "making a mistake." Names are personal. Taking the time to learn and use someone’s correct name is a basic yet meaningful act of respect. It shows you see them, you value them, and you recognize their presence in the room. For Black women in professional spaces, this is not a small issue. It’s a reminder that equity and inclusivity start with the simplest things like saying our names correctly.