Digital creator and social advocate @KishaCashay sparked an important conversation on Wednesday, Dec. 11, after posting a video on Instagram alleging systemic discrimination against Black Americans in the Los Angeles job market.
In the video, she detailed barriers faced by qualified Black job seekers, claiming employers in LA and California are “not willing to hire Black Americans, even if they are overly qualified.”
Allegations of Discrimination
In her video, @KishaCashay argued that hiring practices in the region reflect a “hidden agenda” to exclude Black professionals. She stated that employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates from other racial groups, particularly the Hispanic community, for roles—allegedly for exploitative reasons.
“Employers feel the Hispanic community, often facing challenges like undocumented status, will be less likely to speak up about mistreatment or unfair wages,” she said.
She further alleged that companies use platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn as “marketing tools” to feign hiring activity without real intent to recruit Black professionals.
Investigations Underway
@KishaCashay highlighted the work of the Los Angeles Black Worker Center (LABWC), an organization dedicated to addressing racial disparities in employment.
According to her, LABWC is actively investigating these claims while providing resources and advocating for equitable wages and opportunities for Black workers.
LABWC’s mission includes helping Black Americans secure meaningful employment and challenging discriminatory practices through advocacy and policy initiatives.
Broader Implications
The video also touched on larger societal dynamics, including issues with upward mobility for Black employees.
According to @KishaCashay, “Black Americans are often kept at entry-level positions and face workplace bullying to hinder their progress.”
She also critiqued the lack of solidarity among other communities of color, stating, “The only time other people of color speak up for Black Americans is when they see us having an advantage they don’t.”
Call to Action
@KishaCashay called for stronger regulation of online job platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to ensure companies are held accountable for genuine hiring efforts.
She also encouraged public discourse around the alleged systemic exclusion of Black Americans from the job market.
Although not independently verified by ShineMyCrown, her claims have since gained traction, resonating with many who have experienced similar challenges and sparking debates on social media about equity in hiring practices.
“We need a movement— you are articulating what we are all seeing Queen. Thank you for sharing these facts on facts. We needed this acknowledgement. Now we have to move accordingly,” one person commented.
Another said:
“I wrote an entire book about this, coming out on February 25th, called *Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work*. It includes data from around the country. My goal is to use this book to launch a strategy to highlight and change what is going on.”
