Juneteenth: Reflections on Race and the Imperative of DE&I in Our Workplaces

Juneteenth commemorates—the end of slavery in the United States, specifically marking June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom. Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Ab Lincoln.

?It marks a pivotal moment in American history which symbolizing a brutal period slavery and the beginning of a long and ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality. It’s honoring the resilience and contributions of African Americans and the injustices they have faced and still face in today’s society.

?These are my thoughts in thinking about race and having been involved with many diversity initiatives and helping companies with their DE&I strategies working at LinkedIn, Udemy, CoachHub, and Fortune Magazine.

When I found out it was a national holiday I was able to reflect on this country’s diversity. Writing this out of NYC right now I am blessed to be surrounded by so much culture and how far we have come as a country but I am often faced with the reality on how much more we have to go. Having worked at companies trying to make a dent in Fortune 1000’s diversity initiatives. It’s hard not to be skeptical knowing that there wasn’t actually budget towards many of these initiatives.

Living in America growing up in low income communities in Jersey I was surrounded daily by African American culture and having still never been to Asia. It’s an interesting perspective that I have and my wife often reminds me that I identify more with black culture in the US than I do with certain Asia culture having grown up in America my whole life.

?What I observed about race relations is that it’s a very complex topic and makes a lot of people uncomfortable when talked about.

Some of the books that I recommend reading that has certainly opened up my eyes are.

?White Fragility

?Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig- a comprehensive biography of Muhammad Ali, detailing his boxing career, activism, and impact on sports and society.

?Watching Colin’s Documentary on Netflix was also pretty eye opening. It’s called Colin in Black & White. It’s a 6 episode series discussing

?"Colin in Black & White"

- Creators: Ava DuVernay and Colin Kaepernick

?Overview

"Colin in Black & White" is a dramatized series that chronicles the formative years of Colin Kaepernick, focusing on his high school years and the experiences that shaped his views on race, identity, and activism. The series delves into the struggles Kaepernick faced growing up as a biracial child adopted by a white family, his journey to becoming a football star, and his awakening to social injustices, which ultimately led to his activism and his decision to kneel during the national anthem as a protest against police brutality and racial inequality.

?Key Themes

- Racial Identity: The series explores Kaepernick's experiences of navigating his racial identity in a predominantly white environment.

- Social Injustice: It highlights the instances of racism and discrimination that influenced his later activism.

- Personal Growth: The narrative shows Kaepernick's development from a young athlete into a socially conscious individual.

?Significance

"Colin in Black & White" is important because it provides insight into the personal background and motivations of one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary sports and activism. It sheds light on the systemic issues that Kaepernick seeks to address and offers a personal perspective on his journey.

This series combines elements of biography, social commentary, and drama, making it a compelling watch for those interested in the intersections of sports, race, and activism.

?I enjoy reading famous athletes biographies because they always give me an interesting perspective.

?DMX, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali’s for instance.

Being involved with many ERGs opened up my perspective in learning so much more about what women, other races deal with and has given me at times hope that we are making progress but I’m not going to lie. Sometimes it does feel heavy and it feels like there is just not enough progress being made at the rate that I would like it to honestly.?

?During the last 6 months, I set out on this journey called 1000 random strangers where I interviewed random strangers through Live Streaming and social media. I’ve interacted with more black and brown folks during the last 6 months than I probably did in my entire life combined.

?hat I have learned is black people still got pulled over for no reason. When I asked them what they get in trouble for they call it black tax.

?Although, I live a pretty privileged life the past 5 years as I “moved” up in earnings. I realize from meeting so many people from all walks of life how lucky I am to not have to worry about my safety as much.

Key resources that I would recommend as reads for anyone else who is interested in what they can do

?"White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism" by Robin DiAngelo examines the defensive reactions white people often have when their assumptions about race are challenged, and how these reactions maintain racial inequality.

?Key Points

?1. Definition of White Fragility:

?? - White fragility is described as the discomfort and defensiveness white people exhibit when confronted with racial issues. This reaction serves to protect their positions of privilege.

?2. Racial Socialization:

?? - DiAngelo argues that white people in Western societies are socialized to see themselves as individuals rather than as members of a racial group. This socialization contributes to their lack of understanding of systemic racism and their role within it.

?3. Manifestations of White Fragility:

?? - Common responses include anger, fear, guilt, arguing, silence, and leaving the conversation. These reactions are used to avoid confronting racial issues and to reassert white dominance.

?4. Impact on Racial Discussions:

?? - White fragility inhibits meaningful conversations about race by shutting down dialogue. It prevents the necessary self-examination and acknowledgment of racial biases and systemic racism.

?5. Maintaining the Racial Status Quo:

?? - These defensive behaviors reinforce the existing racial hierarchy by preventing change and maintaining white comfort at the expense of addressing racial injustices.

?6. Challenging White Fragility:

?? - DiAngelo calls for white people to build resilience to racial stress by engaging in self-reflection, listening to people of color, and understanding the structural nature of racism.

?7. Importance of Ongoing Effort:

?? - The book emphasizes that combating racism requires continuous effort and commitment. White people need to actively seek out and address their biases and the ways they benefit from systemic racism.

?Summary

"White Fragility" encourages white readers to confront their own racial biases and to understand how their defensive reactions perpetuate racial inequality. By recognizing and addressing white fragility, individuals can contribute to more productive conversations about race and work towards a more equitable society.

?Robin DiAngelo's newest book, "Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm", builds on the concepts introduced in "White Fragility" and delves deeper into how well-meaning white progressives can still uphold systemic racism.

?Here’s a summary of the key points from "Nice Racism":

?Key Points

?1. "Nice Racism" Defined:

?? - DiAngelo explores the subtle and often unconscious ways in which progressive white people, who consider themselves allies in the fight against racism, can still cause harm through their actions and attitudes.

?2. White Progressive Superiority:

?? - The book discusses how white progressives often see themselves as "good" and non-racist, which can make them resistant to acknowledging their own racist behaviors. This perceived superiority can prevent meaningful self-examination and growth.

?3. Microaggressions and Everyday Racism:

?? - DiAngelo highlights how everyday interactions and microaggressions contribute to the perpetuation of racial inequality. These acts, though seemingly minor, accumulate to create significant harm over time.

?4. The Role of White Solidarity:

?? - The concept of white solidarity is examined, where white people, consciously or unconsciously, uphold each other's comfort and protect the status quo, even in progressive spaces. This solidarity can prevent addressing deeper systemic issues.

?5. Performative Allyship:

?? - DiAngelo critiques performative allyship, where white progressives engage in superficial or symbolic actions rather than making substantial changes that challenge racial inequality. This behavior often centers the white person's feelings and comfort.

?6. Racial Triggers and Defensive Reactions:

?? - The book explores common defensive reactions white people have when their racial views are challenged, including denial, withdrawal, and emotional outbursts. These reactions are a form of white fragility that hinders productive dialogue.

?7. Impact on People of Color:

?? - DiAngelo discusses how the behaviors and attitudes of white progressives, even if well-intentioned, can still marginalize and harm people of color. The book emphasizes listening to and learning from the experiences of people of color.

?8. Strategies for Change:

?? - The book offers practical advice for white progressives to move beyond performative allyship and engage in genuine anti-racist work. This includes self-reflection, accepting feedback, and taking concrete actions to address systemic racism.

?Summary

"Nice Racism" challenges white progressives to look beyond their self-image as "good" allies and to recognize how their behaviors and attitudes can still perpetuate racial harm. By understanding and addressing these subtle forms of racism, DiAngelo argues, white people can more effectively contribute to the fight against systemic inequality. The book calls for deeper self-awareness, continuous learning, and a commitment to meaningful action in the pursuit of racial justice.

?Let me know what other books or resources you would recommend.