North Carolina-based artist Endia Beal is known for her photographic imagery and video installations that explore the bias faced by women of color within the corporate space. The video, Mock Interview, comprises actual interview questions asked by white employers of Black women between the ages of twenty-seven and fifty-eight. Beal sourced these questions by asking each woman about an interview question received that they deemed as discriminatory and/or racist. Afterwards, she recruited eight, white male students between the ages of twenty and twenty-three years old to participate in this piece. The men were informed that they would be asked discriminatory questions that were previously given to women of color during their interviews, though they did not know the questions in advance. As collaborators, Beal notes she appreciated their willingness to enter into what would likely be an uncomfortable space to bring awareness to employment discrimination and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Through this work of art, the participants and viewers are made more aware of the systemic racism that has created unfair, inaccurate portrayals of people, perpetuated “other” status, and led to racist and sexist hiring practices and workplaces. Realization is one step toward change.

Biography