Published in June 2021, The Other Black Girl is the debut novel by American writer Zakiya Dalila Harris. The novel is a contemporary fiction that delves into themes of race, workplace dynamics, and identity.
The story follows an editorial assistant at Wagner Books named Nella Rogers who is one of the few Black employees in her workplace. It takes an intriguing turn with the arrival of Hazel-May McCall—another Black woman who starts working at the same publishing house. Initially, Nella is excited about having another Black colleague hoping for support and camaraderie. However, tensions rise as Nella realizes that Hazel-May has begun to gain favor within the company. As Nella navigates the complexities of racial dynamics, she starts receiving disturbing anonymous notes that hint at dark secrets.
The novel explores systemic racism, microaggressions, and the pressures faced by Black individuals in predominantly white professional environments. Fortune reviewed, “While the plot takes a darker turn into thriller territory, this read is ideal for anyone who has ever felt manipulated, threatened, or dismissed in the workplace.” In 2023, the novel was adapted into a television series on Hulu.
