Still Not Free: Speaking Out While Black in Public Service

A virtual gathering hosted by Working While Black: Causing Good Trouble 4 Justice & Change
Working while black shouldn’t be a risk. But for too many of us in public service, telling the truth means being punished, isolated, and erased.

This virtual gathering marks the launch of a growing movement led by Tanya Thompson—advocate and state employee navigating retaliation in real time. Through Working While Black, Tanya is building a platform to expose the erosion of workplace protections, especially for Black employees in excluded positions.

This is not a workshop. It’s an opportunity. You’ll hear Tanya’s personal story of workplace injustice, retaliation, and silencing—and why she’s choosing to speak out, not just for herself, but for everyone who has been forced to shrink, stay quiet, or disappear from the work they once loved.

## This space is for you if:

- You’ve experienced retaliation, racism, or erasure in a government workplace
- You’re still in the thick of it and feel like no one sees it, or you😔
- You’ve been waiting for someone to say out loud what you’ve been carrying silently
- You want to be part of something real—even if you’re not ready to speak up (yet)

## Safety Statement:

Participation is voluntary. You are welcome to witness silently, share anonymously, or speak your truth loud and proud. We honor each person’s autonomy and readiness. This event will not be recorded, and naming specific employers or individuals is discouraged.

## What You’ll Leave With:

- A deeper understanding of how the system weaponizes policies
- An invitation to share your story (privately or publicly)
- A pathway to get involved as a volunteer, witness, or contributor
- Access to bi-monthly updates on laws, policies, and advocacy efforts impacting worker protections

## Event Details

Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
Location: Zoom (link provided after RSVP)