Saying nothing is saying something...

As I think about the recent events that have taken place across America my mind immediately goes back to the speech that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr gave at the March on Washington where he said, “When the architects of our Republic wrote the magnificent words of the constitution and the Declaration of independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men - yes, black men as well as white men- would be granted the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds” “. Fifty-three years later the African American community has made tremendous progress, but the check is still coming back as insufficient funds. Corporate America, young professionals, and civil leaders need to stand up and play a significant role in the fight for equality. I realize this is a touchy subject and most companies will remain silent, but saying nothing, is saying something. Even if you do not have the courage to speak out, there are a few things below you should consider:

Create an environment where people are comfortable having uncomfortable conversations

I was sitting in a staff meeting, right after a recent shooting of an unarmed African American, where we were brainstorming ideas for our next quarterly meeting. It was my departments turn to host and we were looking for creative ideas that we could have fun with. The gentleman sitting across from me looked me in the eye and said we should do blue live matter. The room immediately went silent. As I looked around the room everyone else had their heads down pretending they didn’t hear him say that. I kept calm and politely asked the gentlemen not to do that. Instead of trying to understand where I was coming from he became upset and slammed his book on the table. There was a brief pause and someone in the room casually changed the subject. If we are ever going to address the racial tension in America we must be comfortable with having an uncomfortable conversation to understand the perspective of others and how we are affected by the racial tensions that are going on in our country. After that interaction it was very clear to me that group wasn’t ready.

Be situational aware.

 It is important to be aware of what is happening in the news, your local area/community, and how it could potentially affect the associates you work with. Many of my colleagues do not understand why and or how I’m affected by the recent shootings of unarmed African Americans. If I’m completely honest with you all, every time I hear of a new case or watch the footage of yet another shooting I can’t help, but to think it could have been me. I was recently driving home from the airport with a colleague and noticed that a police officer pulled out behind me on the highway. I didn’t say anything to the gentleman in the car, but internally I was terrified. Praying that I didn’t do anything that could bring attention to myself. In my mind if the officer pulled me over, I don’t know if I’d make it out alive. The same fear that I felt in that situation is the same fear that my peers have when they walk in our office building and see several armed police officers. The officers were put there to provide a sense of safety, but they are having the adverse effect. Has that ever crossed your mind? Have you taken the time out to have a real conversation with your associates about how they feel and what you as a leader and your company could do to help relieve some of the tension? If not, why not?