Celebrating Black History Month
As part of our Black History Month celebration, CRBer Christian Newman shares, in his own words, his experience helping create our Racial Equity and Diversity (RED) employee resource group.
The Growth of an ERG: RED
When recalling the origins of the Racial Equity and Diversity (RED) employee resource group (ERG), I think of the great relationships that forged, tough conversations had, and much contemplation about the role of an employer in an employee’s well-being. These origins also transplant me to a time many of us remember all too well, that is the spring of 2020. Although we did not yet know it, the events that would unfold in the span of just a few months would alter many facets of everyday life.
I had just begun the final semester of my undergraduate studies. I recount the excitement and stress that gripped me, like so many other architecture students, as thesis deadlines approached. In addition to the academic stress, there was an uncertainty as to what each day would hold as news regarding the coronavirus increasingly took over news outlets. However, the pandemic was not the only distressing headline we came to know.
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It was during this time we were also confronted with the slayings of Ahmaud Aubery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Hearing of these tragedies was harrowing enough but seeing the footage truly rocked me to my core. Enough so that it felt untrue to me to proceed as if all was fine. With lockdown in full effect, most interactions were with colleagues over Teams meetings, and that only added a layer of complexity. I understood the professional space I occupied but found it difficult to conceal a slew of emotions around the state of our country and the world at that time. Fortunately, I was able to find comfort in the workplace through colleagues who shared my sentiments. We checked on each other and spoke candidly which assured us all that our emotions were not misplaced and should be addressed. As we were having these conversations, company leadership was figuring out how to address these tragic events across a workforce of 1,500+ individuals.
Our companywide bi-weekly Town Halls were a primary source for COVID-related information and disseminating updates on the impacts of the pandemic on our business. However, soon after the murder of George Floyd, CRB President, Ryan Schroeder, made a departure from the usual content. He voiced his concern for our employees and his dismay at the situation. He admitted he did not have the words but knew something must be said and took to the Town Hall to address us directly. I was moved that not only was the situation acknowledged, but he also extended an invitation to reach out to him directly. I did not hesitate and took the opportunity to email Ryan and return my candid sentiments, just as he had. What ensued were discussions and meetings with likeminded colleagues who felt encouraged by leadership to rally around a common cause of supporting and uplifting each other through a difficult time. These conversations were the catalyst for forming the Racial Equity and Diversity (RED) ERG.
From the onset there was an outpouring of support and interest for this newly formed ERG. As efforts ran concurrently out of the Southeast and West regions, we were able to amplify our reach and cater content to local offices, as well as support each other across time zones. RED quickly gained visibility companywide and, having spawned during a time of divisiveness and confusion, helped many find solace in the heartfelt, respectful dialogue that accompanied our meetings. Through interactions with colleagues, it became apparent that RED’s engagement was much appreciated. We continually inquired about what people wanted from RED and made our presence known via Town Hall appearances, Community Conversations, month-long cultural celebrations, and collaborations with other ERGs. Furthermore, the culturally diverse and inclusive environment fostered by RED encouraged listening and learning from each other.
The growth we’ve seen as an ERG since the spring of 2020 is a testament to the amazing people of CRB. Moving into another year of RED, we maintain the same fervor and enthusiasm we began with as we continue bringing more people on board. While our mission to “prime and foster a culturally diverse and inclusive community, through employee empowerment and engagement, internal discussion, continuous education and external outreach,” remains the same, we’ve undoubtedly made great strides and advance this mission daily. I marvel at what we’ve achieved thus far and all that we’ll accomplish in the future. I am immensely appreciative for the group that is RED.