I See You!

The struggle is real. George Floyd’s tragic and senseless murder is the tipping point for Black people and White allies who stand in solidarity. Finally, the stories of Blacks in America are being heard. In the business world Black people are being unmasked – an awakening that is long overdue. This is new terrain for many business leaders, many of whom are culturally ineffective when it comes to Black people. Even those who work with Black talent may be wondering what to say and what to do. Before you jump into action to “fix the problem,” take these actions:

• Sit with your discomfort and allow it to wash over you. This is not about you and yet, it is about you. Structural racism has brought us to this place. It is a system that has historically disadvantaged Blacks. Being blind to it has allowed millions of well-meaning White people to be unwitting actor(s) in constructing and maintaining a racist system of inequality. Take time to educate yourself on the issues and the systems that have brought us to this place.
• Take the Implicit Bias Association Test on racial bias to uncover your blind spots. We all have them. Awareness is the first step to addressing your bias and this test brings the unconscious biases to the forefront. Create your own personal action plan to counteract your biases.
• Say something. You may be tempted to retreat or to avoid saying anything to Black people. You may be concerned about saying the wrong thing. If you want to be an ally, understand that silence is NOT an option. If you choose to say nothing, you indeed speak volumes. Start first by acknowledging current events and expressing support and affirm your colleague(s). A few ideas: “I stand with you;” “I’m here for you;” “I see you.” Really see them!
• I see you. Realize that this may be the first time that Black people may really feel “seen.” Invite those who are inclined to do so, to share their stories. Don’t try to fix things. Just listen! Don’t take it personally if people either do not want to, or are not ready to engage on the topic. This is a very difficult time emotionally for Black people. The key is to acknowledge the moment and approach it with authenticity and sincerity.
• Use your power for good. Take action on the things that you can influence to help deconstruct racism – programs, workplace policies and practices, governance, political, judicial, social, economic. Who are your vendors? Who's being groomed for promotional opportunities? Be an ally for advancing the issues that are important to Black people. Do NOT put the burden on other people to solve this problem. After all, Blacks did not put the racist system in place. It will take the collective effort of all of us working together with passion and commitment to address the disease of racism. 

Take Action now:

• Take the implicit Bias Association test on race: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/
• Learn how you can be anti-racist: https://nmaahc.si.edu/learn/talking-about-race/topics/being-antiracist
• Read my article on the experience of women of color in the workplace:https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/hard-truth-realities-women-color-workplace-juliette-c-mayers/ 

. You can reach me at [email protected]. If you find value in this article, please like, share it and comment. Together, we can affect change. I See You.