Another Bias Encounter: Why I Can't Ignore the Impact of Race

It's been a little bit (2 weeks to be exact) since we last connected and I think it's high time we get this relationship back on track...

I gotta be honest with you, it's been really busy around my way... Life has been life-ing but in a good way!

In fact, I have some?MAJOR?news to share, but before I do, you know I have to tell you a little story.

Something has been weighing heavy on my mind ever since I got back from New Orleans. (Do you remember, I shared that?I went to the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity ?there at the end of May/early June?)

Well, while I was at the hotel I had more than one really weird encounter (pretty sure I was almost caught up in a human trafficking ring... Real Talk! I had to change rooms for safety reasons... but I'll tell you that story some other time.)

Today I want to tell you about a situation that was less than 30 seconds long... but I have been ruminating about it for weeks.

I was headed out of the hotel with my friend who happens to be a Latino man. As we approached the elevator, we saw a White male getting off and a White woman who stayed on. They seemed familiar with each other based on their more than courteous goodbyes.

I was giggling and gabbing about something with my friend and totally not paying attention to the direction that the elevator was heading.

When it stopped on our floor, I attempted to get on the elevator.

That's when the White woman started yelling, "No, no, no!", clutched her purse and started pounding away at the elevator keys - presumably the button that closes the door rather than holds it open for someone... :::eye roll:::

That's when my friend, yelled out to me that the elevator car was going up and we needed to wait to catch one going down.

By then I was in a total state of confusion... First, by the White woman screaming bloody murder at me and second, why the elevator would be going up when I had pressed the down button.

None of what had happened in that flash of a second was clicking for me.

My friend and I discussed all the possible reasons that moment was uncomfortable for us as we waited for another elevator headed in the right direction.

Now, I don't know the person on the elevator, nor her friend who turned back to witness the commotion but didn't intervene. He showed little concern about the situation beyond a quick glance and keyed into his room which was only a few steps away.

I could only make assumptions about why this woman had so much fear around me and my friend joining her on the elevator. It has had me perplexed ever since it happened.

I think more than anything, moments like this remind me of who I am, not just on the outside, but also on the inside.

I am reminded that I'm a Black woman.

It's an intersectional identity that I can't take off.

I can't ignore the impact of race nor what it means for me and my attempt at experiencing joy daily in my life.

Joy for Black women can be interrupted at any moment.

And because I am a Black woman, I've had to learn how to be resilient in a world that says I am a threat because I exist.

This is why I am a strong believer that now more than ever is the time to be an audacious DEI leader.

DEI work is deeply personal.

DEI work is a matter of life and death.

Sometimes DEI is about fighting for justice for a family who has lost a loved one to racial violence but most days it is difficult dialogues with "good" people who let their unconscious bias and learned inappropriate behaviors keep people who are different from existing in their fullness and being their true authentic selves.

I don't want to sit in silence as doors are closed in my face...

So I'm doing what I can to fight back against bias.

I've been keeping this close to the vest, but I can't keep it a secret any longer...

I am officially announcing my partnership with Loyola University Chicago and my debut role as an Executive Producer on a documentary highlighting my cousin Mamie's work in Education as well as mine and my aunt Ollie's life and experiences as educators.

I'll share more details in the coming weeks (maybe even a sneak peek of what we've been filming so far...)

For?now, that's all I can share, but here's a look behind the scenes at one of our shoots.

I have a lot more life updates which will explain why I've been so busy, but this newsletter is already way too long. Be on the lookout for more from me to continue catching up.

P.S. If you are looking for DEI keynotes, workshops and trainings, I facilitate those too! Reply to this email to discuss availability or?get on my calendar ?so I can learn more about your DEI needs.

I love a good ICYMI and so I thought it only fitting that this week’s Stack The Deck be dedicated to my favorite moments from the last weeks that you may have missed if you aren’t connected to me personally on LinkedIn. (Let’s connect now! )

1. I've been asked to Keynote! I'll be speaking at Dusable Black History Museum on June 29th for Beyond the Classroom: Honoring Mamie Till Mobley's Legacy. Please consider?making a gift to the Mamie Till-Mobley Scholarship ?which will support a worthy graduate of a Chicagoland high school who is engaged in the Black community through leadership or service, has a GPA of at least 2.75 and demonstrates financial need.?This event is held by Loyola's School of Education.?Register for the event Now!
2. I've been selected as an iFundWomen of Color Spring 2023 Cohort Member. It's a pretty exciting opportunity and a community that will support my DEI work within my entrepreneurial efforts and social good initiatives.
3. This week I kicked off the Platform to Justice (BETA) program with some amazing foundation leaders. This begins our 8-week journey and training program designed to equip social justice organizations with the crucial training, mentorship, knowledge, and skills needed to scale their justice efforts.
4. I spent Juneteenth at the Till House . S/O to Blacks In Green . S/o to Naomi Davis and the whole BIG Team for all of the education and impactful community work they are doing. Their work is truly making a difference in the city of Chicago and beyond!

Here's an important article published in FastCompany by Amira K.S. Barger, MBA,CVA,CFRE I read this week that has been shared around LinkedIn. I think you'll find it insightful: POV: The head of DEI should not report to HR

I am looking for DEI Game Changers to be highlighted in this newsletter and podcast. If you are interested let me know: Fill out the form now.

?? I help my clients meet the global demands of business and address the challenges that come along with changing demographics, differing points of view, and workplace fairness. Book your DEI VIP Day or Educational Talks with me !

???? I’m a Fractional Chief Diversity Officer who is a certified Digital Business Manager and Certified Diversity Executive.

????I am a cousin of Emmett Till and Mamie Till Mobley. I use my platform to tell my truth and promote racial reconciliation.

?? I’m looking for opportunities to speak about race and racial equity in the workplace this year.

?Run a podcast? Want a guest blog?

?? Give me a shout: [email protected]

Uno Out!

Amberly