Black Men: Outsiders Within the Workplace

I recently experienced two starkly contrasting, yet powerful, representations of the Black male experience:

• The Play: The raw and honest "Men Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy" demands we challenge stereotypes and confront the harsh realities often faced by Black men.
• The Book Launch: RuPaul's "The House of Hidden Meanings" celebrates resilience and the dazzling diversity of talent within the Black community.

These experiences converge to highlight a painful contrast: The workplace remains a space where systemic barriers – underestimation, discrimination, stereotypes – suffocate the potential of so many brilliant Black men. This echoes in the lived experiences bravely shared by Actor David Harewood, Cephas Williams' "56 Black Men" project, and countlessly more.

Adia Hervey Wingfield in her HBR article describes Black men as “outsiders within” They are in the majority group due to their maleness, but this will only take them so far, as they are typically in minority group at senior levels due to their ethnicity.

The Unexploited Hue of Excellence (And Why It Matters)

Black men bring unique perspectives, skills, and ambitions to the table. They possess an incredible capacity for leadership, innovation, and strategic thinking. Yet, these contributions are too often overlooked or undervalued. This isn't just a moral failing, but a strategic one. Organisations that neglect to harness the power of Black talent miss out on competitive advantages and a more just, equitable workplace for all.

It's time to redefine workplace excellence in a way that empowers Black men to reach their full potential. This requires not just words, but action.

Let's make this a LinkedIn dialogue! Share your thoughts on these questions:

• Attracting Talent: How can we redesign recruitment to attract and retain top Black talent?
• Inclusive Policies: Do your company policies truly address the needs and barriers faced by Black employees?
• Mental Well-being: How are you actively supporting the mental health of Black male colleagues?

Start Your Journey (Or Deepen Your Commitment)

Where does your organisation stand? Here's how to move forward:

• Workplace Hue Audit: Honestly assess the representation of Black men, especially in leadership. Examine hiring and promotion practices for unconscious biases.
• Listen & Amplify: Create safe spaces for Black men to share their stories. Implement ways to gather their insights and address concerns.
• Mentorship & Sponsorship: Build programmes that connect Black men with influential sponsors who can open doors and champion their advancement.
• Allyship in Action: Train everyone on microaggressions and create a zero-tolerance culture for discriminatory behaviour. Provide resources to empower employees to be true allies.

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Embrace Equity, Unleash Potential

This isn't a journey to be taken lightly. It takes courage and a commitment to deep, sometimes uncomfortable, change. But imagine a workplace where Black men of all backgrounds and abilities are not only accepted but truly valued. Their talent and brilliance are recognised, celebrated, and given ample space to shape the future. Think of the innovation, productivity, and overall positive impact that would follow.

Let's spark change together. Share your thoughts, challenges, and successes on LinkedIn using #BreakingBarriers #BlackExcellence #WorkplaceCulture #Equity

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