Continuing the Conversation: A Call to Action for Lasting Change from Your One Black Friend

In the wake of George Floyd's murder four years ago in my home state of Minnesota, our collective consciousness was stirred, and conversations about race and racism surged to the forefront. Many White people turned to their Black friends, seeking guidance, understanding, and a path forward. I wrote about this phenomenon initially in July of 2020 in the USA Today article titled "How to not let your anti-racist passion die: Advice from your one Black friend." But as time passed, the fervor faded, and the urgency seemed to dissipate.

As a Black woman with a Black family, I can tell you that the urgency is still top of mind and real. I was still reeling from the trauma we experienced in 2020 when less than a year later, a Black man, Daunte Wright, was killed, in a suburb of Minneapolis, that was even closer to my house. The police officer who shot him said she had intended to use her taser gun but accidentally drew her handgun instead and fired once. The police officer I soon found out, lived less than 2 miles from my house, in my suburb. This reality set in when the helicopters, flashing lights and mandatory in-home curfew text messages started coming in.

The emotional and physical proximity of the situation set in even further when the school my two youngest children attended left us a voice message, email and text to let us know there was a potential threat in our area that made it unsafe for buses to drive so we needed to pick our children up from school, immediately. I remember this day like it was yesterday, I was on a client call and my phone kept lighting up – first with the phone call and the voice message from the school, then the text message from the school, followed by a phone call and text message from another Mom who lives near us asking if she could pick our kids up for us so that my Black husband didn’t need to drive into the situation.

It felt like what had been close but outside continued to creep inside, the trauma associated with being Black in America crept into our home, around all of us, and down to our youngest family member. As the next school year, my then 8-year-old son was called a nigger. It happened at his school, on the playground, by another 8-year-old. What struck me immediately was that 8-year-olds do not know this language or this level of hate, unless it’s taught. The conversations that took place in that child’s house, I had to assume, sounded very different from the conversations that were taking place in our home. I wish I could say that incident was the last time my young son was called that hurtful word. But it was not.

These are just some of my stories. I know each of us have our own, but today, as we reflect on our own personal journeys since 2020, it's evident that our work towards combating racism and fostering equity is far from over.

When I wrote "Advice from your one Black friend" in 2020, I was filled with a mix of emotions. It started as a rant—a callout for historical injustices, a plea for understanding, and a demand for action. In the past four years, I knew I wanted to do more and to make a bigger impact.

Four years ago, in the wake of the racial awakening, recognition was high among companies about the importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) in the workplace. From boardrooms to break rooms, conversations about creating diverse and inclusive environments have become commonplace. However, despite this increased awareness, there is a concerning trend emerging: the fading commitment to DEI&B initiatives within many companies.

While some companies have made significant strides in implementing DEI&B programs and policies, others have allowed their commitment to wane over time. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including shifting priorities, lack of leadership buy-in, and the perception that DEI&B efforts are no longer as urgent as they once were. Whatever the reasons, the consequences of this fading commitment can be detrimental, both to the company itself and to the broader community it serves.

In these past four years, I have embarked on my own DEI&B journey of growth and community investing. I transitioned from calling out what I’m seeing to being part of the change, while calling people in to join me. My husband and I founded 40 Acres Investments, a Minnesota-based company dedicated to creating opportunities for our community and family, inspired by the promise of land to freed Black families in 1865. Our mission is to honor that promise by acquiring, maintaining, and utilizing properties and land to empower our community and foster generational wealth.

Additionally, my involvement with The BrandLab, a nonprofit striving to diversify the marketing and advertising industry, where I had been a long-time volunteer, evolved and grew. The organization went through a leadership transition, and I agreed to step into the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. Initially, I wanted to support the organization I loved, but I had never intended to be a nonprofit leader. However, once I sat in the CEO seat for a short period of time, I realized that I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing the exact work I was meant to do. This realization propelled me to decide to stay in the seat.

I've witnessed firsthand the power of education, mentorship, and advocacy in creating meaningful change. The BrandLab is not just an organization; it's a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers and opening doors for BIPOC individuals in the creative industry. Through mentorship programs, educational initiatives, and advocacy efforts, we are working to create a more inclusive and equitable landscape for future generations of creatives.

Serving as the organization’s first Non-White CEO, I have some great partners and have also experienced microaggressions and gaslighting. Today, I take to my keyboard once again, as your friend, colleague, or acquaintance, I want to reignite the conversation and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society. While the headlines may have shifted, the underlying issues persist, and our dedication to addressing them must remain steadfast.

Here are some reflections and calls to action as we continue the journey together:

• Acknowledge the Long Road Ahead: The fight against racism is not a fleeting moment or a passing trend—it is an ongoing struggle that demands sustained effort and commitment. Let's acknowledge the complexity and depth of the challenges we face, and commit ourselves and our companies to the long road ahead.
• Center BIPOC Voices: In our quest for change, it is essential to center the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Let's actively listen, learn, and amplify voices, recognizing that true progress requires diversity in leadership, experiences, and insight.
• Educate Ourselves: We cannot dismantle systems of oppression without first understanding them. Let's commit to educating ourselves about the historical roots of racism, the impact of systemic inequalities, and the ways in which we can be better allies in the fight for justice.
• Take Action: Positive intentions alone are not enough—we must translate our words into action. Let's take tangible steps toward creating change, whether engaging in difficult conversations, supporting organizations working for racial justice, or advocating for policy reforms.
• Hold Ourselves Accountable: Change begins with each of us. Let's hold ourselves accountable for our words, actions, and impact. Let's challenge ourselves to confront biases, dismantle privilege, and actively work towards building a more inclusive world.
• Embrace Discomfort: Confronting racism and privilege can be uncomfortable, but growth often lies on the other side of discomfort. Let's lean into these moments of being uncomfortable, recognizing them as opportunities for growth, learning, and meaningful change as we all continue on our own personal DEI&B journeys.

As we navigate the road ahead, let's remember that combating racism is not the burden of the oppressed alone—it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all allies and advocates. By coming together, listening with empathy, and taking meaningful action, we can create a future where equity, justice, and belonging are not just aspirations but realities for all of us.

Let's continue the conversation. Let's keep the momentum going. Let's build a world where every individual is seen, every voice is heard and every life is valued.

With hope and determination,?

Kelli

[Hopefully One of Your Black Friends]?

Kelli Williams lives?in Minnesota and leads The BrandLab a nonprofit on a mission to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising profession.

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