Progress Over Perfection

2025 Black History Month is in full swing. Let's celebrate how far we have come as a nation. America's successful war and ensuing victory against slavery should be graciously honored and appreciated. Yet, let us not forget that there is still more progress to achieve. For example, did you know:

Black professionals hold only 3.2% of all executive or senior leadership roles and less than 1% of all Fortune 500 CEO positions. This stark underrepresentation is evident across various industries and professional areas. In U.S. corporate boards, only 25% of African American executives hold one of the top two positions (CEO or executive chair).

Career Advancement

Black professionals face significant barriers to career progression:

• 43% lower probability of promotion
• 74% greater likelihood of demotion
• 55% greater likelihood of exiting the executive ranks before retirement

These disparities persist even after controlling for positions, age, company tenure, and education.

Workplace Experience

• Black professionals often experience. Isolation and exclusion in the workplace
• Difficulty bringing their authentic selves to work
• Loss of confidence
• Lack of role models and mentorship opportunities

43% of Black professionals report that the treatment of Black employees in their companies has either remained stagnant or deteriorated since 2020. Additionally, 50% of respondents highlight disparities in opportunities for Black employees compared to their counterparts.

These disparities underscore the need for continued efforts to address systemic inequities and foster more inclusive work environments in corporate America.

#BlackHistoryMonth2025 #Leadership #BreakingBarriers #ChangeTheStatistic #EmpowerBlackLeaders #ProgressAndPossibility