“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them.” – Isaiah 61:8
We at Black Woman Revealed want to take this time to acknowledge the beautiful life of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey. Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, formerly serving as the Vice President of Student Affairs at Lincoln University in Missouri tragically passed away on January 8, 2024, in what has been reported as a case of suicide.
Notably, she was known as a gifted colleague and fervent advocate for Lincoln University, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and various causes. Candia-Bailey held a B.S. in sociology from Lincoln University and pursued further education, obtaining an M.A. in rehabilitation counseling-disability studies from Michigan State University. Likewise, she also holds a doctoral degree in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University. Candia-Bailey’s educational journey underscores her commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Antoinette ‘Bonnie’ Candia-Bailey’s tragic narrative illuminates the pervasive silent suffering endured by many, particularly Black women. Regrettably, she became a victim of workplace bullying, subjected to emotional and mental abuse under her direct leadership, Dr. John Mosley, President of Lincoln University. This incident resounds as a stark reminder of the often overlooked ordeals faced by black women in the workplace. When we dare to voice our experiences, we risk being unfairly labeled as difficult, emotional, angry, or challenging to work with, despite excelling in our roles. The relentless microaggressions targeting our hair, race, attire, speech patterns, and even marital status persist, no matter how well we perform or how educated we are. At times we are forced to continually ‘interview’ for positions we’ve already earned, constantly proving our merit and right to work.
Let us fervently condemn the affliction of bullying and discrimination, amplifying the silenced voices. In tribute to Dr. Bailey and others grappling with workplace inequity, we not only hear and see you but stand unwaveringly by your side. Your pain shall not be endured in vain. #EndWorkplaceInjustice #InMemoryOfDrBailey”
“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” – Jeremiah 22:3
