Episode Description:

In this episode of "Not 4 Prophets," hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn tackle the sensitive and often overlooked issue of the sexualization of Black men in the nonprofit sector. Trenia interviews David about his personal experiences and observations, shedding light on how these dynamics affect professional relationships, workplace culture, and the well-being of Black men in these environments. This episode provides valuable insights for nonprofit leaders, employees, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing these complex issues.

In This Episode:

00:01 - Introduction: Hosts Trenia Parham and David DeVaughn introduce the topic and the unique format of this episode.

01:05 - Initial Thoughts: David shares his initial thoughts and feelings about the sexualization of Black men in the workplace.

04:17 - Early Career Experiences: David recounts early experiences of sexualization and the implications for his professional life.

08:13 - Work Husband Dynamics: Discussion on the dynamics of being seen as a "work husband" or "work boyfriend."

13:00 - Recognizing Harassment: David's reflections on recognizing and understanding sexual harassment in the workplace.

19:33 - Shifts in Behavior: The impact of David's decision to pull back from certain workplace dynamics and how it affected his relationships.

22:42 - Power Dynamics: Exploration of the power dynamics between Black men and white women in nonprofits.

32:23 - From Desire to Threat: The shift in perception from being desired to being seen as a threat when Black men assert themselves.

37:05 - Navigating the Line: David's strategies for walking the line between being approachable and avoiding being perceived as a threat.

41:55 - Final Thoughts: Reflections on the broader implications and the need for ongoing conversation and support.

Episode Links:

StrivEquity Consulting LLC: https://strivequity.com

Sustainable Leadership by Trenia Parham: https://www.treniaparham.com