Rule 12.
Don’t Have a Name That’s Too Black
Listen To This Rule
Narrated by Ashley Ayer
Having a name that’s too “ethnic” could negatively impact you financially and professionally.
We all take pride in our names, and they naturally become a core part of our identity. There is a wide range of names that are unique to Black Americans, but studies show that having a characteristically Black American
name
Black Job Candidates Being Penalized
This Forbes article explores how Black job seekers can face discrimination based on their names and what can be done to combat it.
Let’s Erase this Rule
Here are some resources for you to educate yourself and inspire action.
Sociological Science, How Black Are Lakisha and Jamal? Racial Perceptions From Names Used in Correspondence Audit Studies
Huffington Post, I’m A Black Woman Who Had To Change Her Name To Get Ahead Professionally
National Bureau of Economic Research, Are Emily and Greg more Employable than Lakisha and Jamal? A Field Experiment on Labor Market Discrimination.
Do School Counselors Exhibit Bias in Recommending Students for Advanced Coursework?
Forbes, Are Job Candidates Still Being Penalized For Having ‘Ghetto’ Names?
Minorities Who ‘Whiten’ Job Resumes Get More Interviews
Read Race in America Book Series by Various Authors (Kids)
Support the ACLU and Their Campaign Against Racial Profiling Which Includes Representation for Victims of Racial Profiling, Public Education, and Advocacy for Anti-Profiling Legislation
Support the NAACP’s Efforts To Create Sweeping Police Reform–A Zero-Tolerance Approach in Penalizing/Prosecuting Police Who Kill Unarmed, Non-Violent Individuals in an Arrest
Donate to the National Urban League
Support the Leadership Conference and Power the Fight for Civil and Human Rights
Sign the ACLU’s Petition to Congress To Pass the End Racial Profiling Act
State of Emergency: End the War on Black People
Sign the Petition With Movement for Black Lives To Ensure That Future Action Prioritizes Our Communities Over Corporations
Sign the Petition #FreeToBe: Black People Deserve Dignity
Antiracist Resources and Reads: Lists for All Ages
7 Ways You Can Take Action for Racial Justice Now
Take Harvard’s Implicit Project Test and Find Out if You Have Any Bias Associations About Race
Forbes, How To Confront Racism in the Workplace
6 Steps to Building a Better Workplace for Black Employees
White Fragility and The Rules of Engagement
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Support the cause and empower others by downloading and sharing our rule cards. Be sure to tag @unwrittenrulesproject on Instagram and use the hashtag #erasetherules.
