What to Do When Workplace Sabotage Comes from Other Black Colleagues – Addressing Internalized Oppression and Workplace Survival Strategies

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to consult with legal professionals for guidance on specific legal matters.

Results on engagements and online courses may vary, successful outcome is not guaranteed.

Let’s talk about something uncomfortable but necessary. Because too many of us have lived it—and far too few of us are talking about it.

What happens when the person undermining you at work… looks like you? What do you do when the sabotage, the shade, the subtle digs, or even the outright backstabbing comes not from a white colleague, but from another Black coworker?

It’s painful. It’s confusing. And it’s something that Black professionals—especially Black women—don’t always feel safe acknowledging out loud.

But I’m going to talk about it. Because pretending it doesn’t exist doesn’t serve any of us.

“All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk”

That old saying didn’t come out of nowhere.“All skinfolk ain’t kinfolk” is a Black proverb that has been passed down through generations, and it remains relevant, especially in the workplace.

It means this: just because someone is Black, just because they share your racial identity, doesn’t mean they share your values, your culture, your ethics, or your intentions. Some are only invested in their access, their image, and their proximity to power.

They may smile in your face while undermining you in a meeting. They may repeat your words to leadership, but not in the way you said them. They may ally with whiteness because it benefits them more than standing with you ever could.

And if you go into a job assuming that Black = safe, you may find out the hard way that some of the deepest cuts can come from those who look like you.

Why It Happens: Identity Isn’t Always Alignment

We need to be honest: the Black person next to you may not be aligned with you. They may be a Black immigrant who has internalized anti-Black American beliefs. They may come from a different class or social location and view you through a distorted lens of competition. They may be committed to being “the good one” in white spaces—and they’ll sacrifice you to maintain that status.

That doesn’t make them less Black. But it does mean they may not see your success as connected to theirs.

White supremacy is a system, and it manipulates all of us. Sometimes it tricks us into believing that there's only room for one Black person at the table. And too often, some of us internalize that belief and begin acting accordingly.

Don’t Get Got: How to Protect Yourself Early

It’s one thing to manage sabotage when it shows up. It’s another thing to avoid being vulnerable to it in the first place.

That’s why you need to protect yourself from the beginning—starting on Day 1 in any workplace.

Here’s how to move strategically:

1. Don’t Assume “Your People” Based on Appearance

Just because someone is Black does not mean they are aligned with you. That includes gender, generation, class, and nationality, too.

Observe behavior before you build trust. Listen more than you speak in the beginning.

2. Don’t Gossip—Ever

Even if it seems harmless. Even if it’s just venting.Even if the person invites you into it.

Gossip is currency in toxic workplaces. Don’t let anyone use your words as a weapon against you.

3. Keep Personal Business Personal

Don’t share your trauma, your frustrations, your dating life, your money situation, or your real feelings about management with someone just because you’re both Black.

They might be cool. They might not.

Until you know, don’t give anyone ammunition.

4. Assess Before You Align

Ask yourself:

• How do they talk about other Black people in the office?

• Do they support others openly, or only when it’s convenient?

• Do they seek proximity to whiteness over principle?

If any of those raise red flags, don’t assume they’re a safe space.

5. Document from Day One

Sabotage often starts subtle. That’s why you need to keep receipts before things escalate.

Use the AntiHR Documentation Journal to log everything suspicious or concerning.

👉🏾 Download included with your AntiHR Community Membership

What Workplace Sabotage Looks Like (Even When It’s Subtle)

Sabotage from Black colleagues can include:

• Withholding key information

• Omitting you from meetings or emails

• Undermining your contributions

• Spreading damaging narratives

• Smiling in your face while co-signing critiques behind closed doors

• Positioning themselves as “different” from you to appease management

This isn’t just petty—it’s strategic. And it’s a kind of survival that sacrifices community for personal gain.

You’re Not the Problem—But You Must Protect Yourself

This is where survival meets strategy. If you’re in this situation, here’s what to do:

Document Every Incident

Don’t second-guess yourself. Write it down, save the emails, screenshot the Teams messages. Build your evidence.

Stop Seeking Solidarity Where It’s Not Offered

If someone shows you they are not with you—believe them. Don’t keep expecting loyalty from someone who’s invested in your downfall.

Consult With a Strategist

Don’t wait until things implode. If it’s affecting your peace or position, book a discovery call with me.

👉🏾 Book Your Call Here

Know When It’s Time to Exit (Strategically)

You can’t heal in the place that’s hurting you. But don’t walk away empty-handed or unprepared.

Start with the Roadmap to Understanding Your Workplace Rights

👉🏾 Download included with your AntiHR Community Membership

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just One Person—It’s the System

What we’re dealing with here isn’t about bad apples—it’s about a rotten orchard.A system that thrives on division.A system that tells us only one of us can win, so we should tear each other down to get there.

But we don’t have to participate. And we damn sure don’t have to stay silent when we’re harmed.

You deserve protection. You deserve a strategy. You deserve to thrive in your career, not just survive the next hit.

That’s why I built the AntiHR Membership Community—to help you stay prepared, resourced, and protected.

Join now and get:

• The AntiHR Documentation Journal + the Roadmap to Understanding your Workplace Rights

• Access to Live Q&A sessions

• Free templates, webinars, and early access to tools

👉🏾 Become a Member Today

For more tips about navigating and escaping difficult HR situations:

• Join the AntiHR Membership Community today

• Book a Discovery Call Here 

• Follow me on Instagram at @theantihrhrlady

• Subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out my playlists!

• Subscribe to my website for the latest updates and resources

Because real survival means refusing to play a game you were never meant to win—and building your own exit plan instead.