These Words Are True: An Affirmation Deck for your Workday

Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell

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What do you know for sure?

The “these words are true” affirmation deck is a (mostly) gentle, powerful response to the untrue negative stereotypes, prejudices, and beliefs that Black women, femmes, nonbinary and trans professionals absorb in the workplace.

Are you ready to accept that these words are true about you?

Hope so! Let's go!

This deck is specifically designed with Black women, femmes, nonbinary and trans professionals in mind, because it talks back to many of the negative messages we absorb daily about ourselves.

In creating the affirmations, I made a deliberate effort to be responsive to the unique experiences of Black queer, genderqueer and trans folks in the workplace, because we deserve the support.

The affirmations will work for most professionals.

The deck

Designed with you in mind

Every day, Black women, femmes, nonbinary and trans folks experience various forms of oppression at work.

We usually don't have time to process what has happened, but we do need an immediate strategy to respond.

The 'these words are true' affirmation deck gives us the words when we don't have them and reminds us of our inherent value.

When I first saw the cards I thought ‘perfect!’. The world, especially the world at work, can chip away at even the strongest of mental constitutions. We could all use a reminder of our value, potential and brilliance from time to time. The affirmation deck will be there - right on time - to remind us of what’s true.

– Naki O, Financial Services Executive and Executive Coach

Why It Exists

In 2020, I started thinking about the harmful effects of racial, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist and ageist discrimination Black women, femmes, nonbinary and trans professionals experience daily.

Knowing that these experiences often leave us feeling alone and constrained, I looked around for something beautiful, tangible just for us.

I couldn’t find it, so I made it!

How To Use

Be limitless with the deck! Choose one card whenever you need a self-esteem boost. Or, pull a card each morning or before a challenging project. The options are endless.

We have included a few examples below to get you started.

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Njeri has created an affirmation deck that speaks to me on so many levels as a Black, queer, non-binary professional woman. When I first read the cards, I felt held and that my experiences matter.

I think Njeri’s cards are needed now more than ever. Black professional women and folks need to have their contributions and experiences affirmed. I intend to pull a card on a regular basis as one way to check in with myself and to map out some of my core true beliefs.

‘These Words Are True’ impresses such a strong sense of validation that as I even see the deck I feel more confident, whole, and powerful. Black folks’ existence needs affirmation everyday, perhaps more than ever. They reflect the miracle, which is us, in an unpredictable and complex world. I am excited to make These Words Are True part of my go-to decks for readings.

We (and I’m including myself as “persons given a seat at the table but forced to shout if you wanna be heard”) desperately need these and not only at work. Facing misogyny and xenophobic micro aggressions daily at work and any other toxic environment places daily harm on the body and mind, but these are good medicine.

I plan to use them at my desk for me but also in my classroom with my students. I also think some of the affirmations forced me to reflect on the ways that I’m moving through the world and treating people.

The first time I saw the cards, I felt seen and lifted up. The cards are so beautiful in design and the messages are not only inspiring but relatable. I can see myself using these cards in my office as a daily reminder to myself to make space to validate how I’m feeling in the moment and as a pick me up.

I felt seen. Like someone had finally put to words the hope I needed to hold on to as I try to strive in a world that wants me to do otherwise.

I think people, especially Black queer people need these cards because there’s just something reassuring about knowing that someone else gets it. They know what you’re going through. They see who you are. And that they’ve created this medium through which that meeting of minds, that exchange of hope, can take place.

When I turned over the first card, I felt seen. As I turned over more, I realized I had a need: to be asked the right questions, so that I could locate myself within how I'm showing up at work. The cards now have a permanent spot in line of sight on my desk, for ready access.