Fact check: What is black fatigue?

1. Summary of the results

Black fatigue is a term coined by Mary-Frances Winters ^[1] that describes the cumulative psychological, physical, and emotional exhaustion experienced by Black individuals due to persistent exposure to systemic racism and discrimination. This condition manifests through:

• Daily stress from proving one's worth and experiencing disrespect ^[1]
• Workplace microaggressions and the burden of educating others about racism ^[2]
• Constant trauma from witnessing violence against Black people ^[2]
• Navigating toxic work environments where Black employees feel undervalued ^[3]

The CDC has officially recognized racism as a public health threat that can cause long-lasting damage to both body and brain ^[1].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are worth noting:

• The condition has intergenerational impacts, with these maladies being passed down through generations ^[2]
• The exhaustion persists regardless of educational or economic achievements ^[4]
• The concept gained more visibility following Black Lives Matter protests, which created a safer space for Black employees to share their experiences without fear of professional retaliation ^[3]
• The impact extends across multiple life domains, including economics, criminal justice, education, and health systems ^[4]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The simple question "What is black fatigue?" might lead to oversimplification of a complex issue. Important considerations include:

• The term is not just about feeling tired - it's a scientifically recognized condition with documented health implications ^[1]
• In workplace contexts, the impact manifests in measurable disparities in hiring, promotions, and performance reviews ^[3]
• The concept goes beyond individual experiences to encompass systemic and institutional aspects of racism ^[4]
• Understanding this concept benefits organizations and institutions working on diversity and inclusion initiatives, while dismissing or minimizing it benefits those who wish to maintain current power structures and systemic inequities