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OP I am so sorry to hear that. I have worked a job where I was discriminated against and its especially bad when you know you can't really speak up for fear of losing your job. I would definitely start looking for somethin else if I were you. That environment sounds very toxic.
I’m a senior level staff member. I came to the job with experience at higher levels. Two white interns were hired two levels below me - non-management. Yet one was given the other to manage in the system. I remain without staff reporting to me. They are similar in age. I’m older than them.
I’ve put up with it for a while because when I object, I am met with management hostility. I cannot afford to lose my job so I surrender and just work.
Fast forward a few years. Same situation. I have no one reporting to me. I mentioned this again and was told that I need someone with the right personality. WTF is that?! I don’t have any issues with anyone and if I did, why not write me up? Why do I have great reviews every year? Why do I have repeat clients? Why was my freelance work always extended? Why do I have a clean work history that proceeded this job?
I believe these two white employees don’t want to report to me because I am Black and not in their peer group, so my Black manager is finding excuses because HIS white boss likes them.
If I could afford to, I’d go to the EEOC (before Project 2025 possibly kicks in).
I don’t have more to share as idiots (not you) have entered the chat to tell me that racism doesn’t exist in 2024 while we are watching it play out in real time.
Is it always the case that when a younger, less experienced individual gains more responsibility, a better title, or a higher wage that it was because of their race or some kind of favoritism? That’s a rhetorical question. You haven’t really explained away the question of merit. Additionally, your manager clearly thinks that you aren’t yet management material. Have you asked him specifically what you can do to get there? In most cases it’s a soft skill kind of thing. Speaking more concisely, being diplomatic, and being able to delegate. In the future I would try to be less critical and more curious when you don’t get the answer you were expecting.
You say this has been going on for years. If you really feel you are that much a victim, you should seek employment elsewhere. Your own description indicates it hasn't changed, and you have tried to get it changed. If it hasn't been fixed by now, it never will be. Sometimes your sanity is best served by cutting your losses and moving on. There's no sense in torturing yourself. Find a better position where they respect you.
You mentioned freelance work so are you an independent contractor or hold some consulting role? I’m asking because if you are either of those that could be a reason why you are not getting direct reports.