Racial Inequality & Juneteenth: Education & dialogue as part of the Celebration

I have been angry, sad, heartbroken and frustrated by the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and too many others to name. However, these feelings are nothing compared to those of black people right now in the US and around the world. Racism is real and it exists, in front of our eyes and behind closed doors—and the fact it had to be this visible and violent to get our attention is problematic and painful.

Racial inequality has always been here in the U.S. – it is part of our collective history in this country (as well as other countries around the globe).   However, that history is a collection of different experiences- in particular, for black /African American people.  It has been a burden of experience that people have carried with them across generations, across political parties, and across states and counties around the US.   It has been part of our history and our present, but it doesn’t have to be part of our future. 

I must take responsibility for myself and contribute to fix things for the future. And that requires taking action. I have been carving out focused time each day to learn more and educate myself about the history of African Americans in this country, and for black people around the world. My family and I are having discussions at the dinner table every day about racism, inequality, and the economic and social impacts of racial inequality. We watch Ted Talks and speeches about race, the justice system, about the education system between 1865-1935 that black people faced in the US, segregation--- I could go on and on, because the more I learn, the more pieces I start to connect.

Like many of you who are white, you are facing off with understanding more about white privilege. I have asked myself more questions now---what else can I do to be a better advocate and ally to my black colleagues? How do I make change in my community?  How do I be a better role model for my children to inspire them to participate and make change?  How do I improve how I recruit, hire, develop, promote and retain more black employees ?   I must take more actions. I will not rely on others to educate me. 

One way to take action is to listen to and be an advocate for your black colleagues. Today is a special day and a good time to engage.  It is a day of dialogue and celebration.  June 19th is Juneteenth and a perfect time for you to start.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration honoring the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led federal troops to Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended and that slaves had been freed. Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980, with other states subsequently following suit. Some people refer to Juneteenth as a celebration honoring the end of slavery in the US.  However, there is a gap in time from the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln and then in 1865 when the news reached Texas and was communicated broadly.   Juneteenth is now also celebrated outside of the United States, with organizations in a number of countries using the day to recognize the day of freedom and to celebrate the culture and achievements of Black/African Americans. 

Today, I am focused not just on the recognition and celebration of freedom for African Americans across the US, but also the discussions that now are needed around allyship and advocacy.  At HP this morning, we had a town hall discussion with our CEO, our executive team and black employees and allies open to the entire company; it was a powerful panel dialogue on actions people can take to demonstrate allyship and advocacy of black employees, racism, and social justice. The best thing? Allies and advocates shared key actions they are taking- both in their work lives and personal lives.

If you are struggling with taking action yourself, here are my recommendations based on my learnings thus far. A “call to action” for you for where you can start:

• Learn more about Juneteenth here: Juneteenth | Official Holiday Celebration
• Educate yourself and learn about racial inequality; learn by studying, reading, and talking to your colleagues and communities. …there are many resources. Start reading. Beyond a great list of books going around, the collection of Smithsonian articles which is an incredible resource.  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/158-resources-understanding-systemic-racism-america-180975029/ Watch the documentary “13th” on Netflix.  If you want shorter doses of content, there are great Ted Talks as well. https://www.ted.com/playlists/250/talks_to_help_you_understand_r   
• Create space for dialogue with your black colleagues, even the awkward conversations that need to be had, to listen and learn from each other. Have discussions at work, with your teams, with your peers, with your family, with your customers and partners. There is growth in learning and awareness; there is healing after recognition and pain. No matter what your starting point is-- step onto the continuum. Don’t stand on the sidelines.   Strive to build a culture where everyone can participate and thrive.
• Have empathy for each other----meet people where they are on the continuum on this topic of racism. Everyone is in their own place based on their own experiences. Start there, even if it is difficult.
• Build and improve the pipeline to recruit, hire, develop, promote and retain more black employees. 
• Become an ally to your black colleagues, vendors, partners. A great framework exists here: https://guidetoallyship.com/
• Shop, buy, support, volunteer and invest in black-owned businesses, founders and organizations in your communities.  
• Vote in the US elections in November or any upcoming elections in the country where you live.  Use your voice. 

I am working on these actions myself ; I encourage you to do the same. I am shifting my anger and frustration now to feelings of hope and optimism.

No matter your background, I would love to hear about the learnings you have had this last month and the actions you are taking to support an improved future of equality and economic power for all.