An Interview with Jacquie Abram: Author of "Hush Money"

Jacquie Abram is a woman of high caliber as demonstrated in her works, Hush Money: How One Woman Proved Systemic Racism in Her Workplace and Kept Her Job and "Hush Money: The Cost of Being Black in Corporate America."  The talent of her and her daughters (who are co-writers) are matched only by Jacquie's wisdom and extensive experience. Their works have made them an international phenomenon. The roots of Jacquie's resilience and determination can be traced as far back to her early life.

In a recent interview, Jacquie shared her journey, recounting the challenges she and her family faced. Despite the adversities, her mother, a single parent, led the family with integrity, instilling these values in Abram from a young age. Transitioning into corporate America, Jacquie began her career in higher education, where she encountered and overcame numerous hurdles stemming from both overt and covert racism and sexism. These experiences served as the inspiration for her novels, particularly when writing from the perspective of the fictional character Ebony.

During our conversation, we covered various topics, including spirituality, her mother's influence, allyship, and the key messages she hopes readers take away from her novels.

Spirituality emerges as a central theme in her books. As a Christian, Jacquie's faith guided her through trials and tribulations, providing strength and resilience. Reflecting on the historical deprivation faced by Black Americans, she emphasized the enduring nature of their spiritual essence, which has persevered despite attempts to erase cultural heritage. For Jacquie, faith played a crucial role during her darkest moments, preventing her from succumbing to despair.

Discussing the influence of her mother, Jacquie explained that her mother raised her with ambition and integrity. During her response, she reflected on the challenges that many enslaved people endured in maintaining their humanity. The one thing that could not be stripped away was their spiritual essence, even when they were forced to convert to another faith. "My Mother raised me in the church, but she passed down that same faith that belonged to those enslaved."

This helped her when writing, as she chose to break her story into multiple books. She admitted this was a coping strategy. Unpacking the trauma she endured while writing Hush Money was emotionally challenging. The covert racism spanning nearly two decades within one organization prompted this separation. Her relationship with her mother remained a pillar of strength throughout, as she navigated the complex terrain of her past.

Even in poverty, Jacquie's ambitious mother found ways to provide for the family, instilling a drive in Jacquie that she carried into the workplace. This drive empowered her not only to confront her employer about the toxic workplace discrimination and harassment she endured, but also to secure a six-figure settlement. The experience gained became a guiding force in helping her daughters and others worldwide combat workplace harassment and toxic work environments.

Despite an initial sense of exhaustion after winning her settlement, Jacquie's maternal instincts resurfaced when her daughters faced similar workplace threats. Recognizing a shared pain among many individuals enduring workplace injustices, she felt compelled to intervene and assist her daughters. This led to a realization that her pain was not singular—there were many facing similar struggles, feeling helpless.

"Hush Money" became Jacquie's response, a book not only for Black Americans facing workplace racism but for anyone impacted by hostile work environments. It serves as a guide for survivors as well as allies, offering a narrative through the character Ebony that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The book has garnered global recognition, with people reaching out to share how it guided them in addressing workplace harassment and toxic environments.

When asked about what allies should keep in mind, she said, "Regardless of what DEI programs will say, what is actually killing the careers of Black employees and others, is not unconscious. It’s unconscionable. [Leaders] are fully aware of what they are doing. They are making a conscious and concerted effort." To raise awareness, she offers a Masterclass addressing racism and various forms of workplace discrimination.

Continuing her impactful work, Jacquie teaches Masterclasses designed to empower individuals in toxic workplaces to combat hidden discrimination. Her courses, including "From Awareness to Action: Strategies to Prevent Racism in the Workplace," delve into covert racism and its impact on hindering Black talent. You can find copies her internationally acclaimed books here.