I'm very aware of those dynamics, I tend to go above and beyond at work to stand out. I hope you're able to persevere if you're ever put in that situation. Victim mentality is very counterproductive and leads to low self-esteem and low self-worth.
I do what I have to do, because we all have to put bread on the table. But acknowledging reality and wanting things to change is not victim mentality.
Depending on your company's work culture, going 'above and beyond' isn't going to change shit. What happens is they use up all your labour and Jimmy or Becky get the promotion, which is what has happened to a couple of people. And despite working your ass off, you're paid the least.
I think the solution isn't to 'work above and beyond' to line the pockets of these cadaan companies but for us Somalis to be a lot more business minded and for us to create our own opportunities. Investing in our communities and really push for Somali owned ventures, like the Indians.
Certain sectors such as teaching and medicine seem fine and people don't go through a lot of passive work place racism as they rely heavily on minorities, especially in the UK.