We Shouldn't Have To "Live It & Defend It" Alone!
Dr. Tana M. Session
Organizational Development | Cultural Transformation | Change Management: Leading diverse teams in creating Psychologically Safe & Civil workplaces through Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Well-being, & Trust for all.
I'm certain by now most of us thought we would be celebrating Phase 2 of reopening in multiple states, and perhaps planning some much needed vacation over the next couple of months.
But then the stories of Ahmaud Arbery, Amy Cooper & Christian Cooper, Breonna Taylor & George Floyd swept through the nation igniting protesting from coast to coast. Instead of rehashing the stories already taking over our social media news feeds and network news channels, I am going to share multiple resources to help educate ALL OF US on the impact of social injustice, discrimination and racism, with a particular focus on how these show up in the workplace. Bottom line...just acknowledge, recognize and know that your black employees and co-workers ARE NOT OK!! Anger, hurt, disgust, dismay and fear - among other emotions - are flowing through their veins. It's ok to apologize for not checking on them sooner, but make certain you do so TODAY!! It's not too late and I'm afraid this will not just "blow over" this time.
This is all happening as black people continue to learn how COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on black people more than any other race as we crest 100k deaths in the US last week. Stress, less access to healthy food choices, inadequate or subpar healthcare, low income and low paying jobs all contribute to these factors, resulting in multiple underlying health factors.
I could go on and on...but would rather provide resources, information and hopefully new knowledge to most - if not ALL - of my monthly newsletter readers. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends, family and network. It's time we start having courageous conversations, start truly listening to each other and treat each other like the HUMAN BEINGS we are, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, religion or any other factor used to divide and separate us from each other.
I know you're probably thinking, "Oh, Tana! You're preaching to the choir!" Well, I'm a firm believer that communication is the foundation of all successful relationships...both at home and in the workplace. Additionally, speaking from a common language helps move the conversation along faster. Let's dig in! Let's listen! Let's ask the hard questions! Let's talk! Let's start!!! Silence is NOT an option!
As a recognized thought leader in Inclusion, Diversity, Bias & the Multigenerational Workforce...I could not miss this opportunity to share some information with each of you, many of which I have previously shared with my corporate clients to help them start their own productive conversations.
Here are some books, articles & quick reading materials to get the conversation started:
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race
Why People of Color Need Spaces Without White People
So You Want To Talk About Race
The Bias of "Professionalism" Standards
Anti-Racism & Allyship 7-Day Journey
History of Anti-Asian Racism in the United States
Not Racist vs. Anti-Racist: What's the Difference?
Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders: FAQs
Sacred Ground: A Film-based Dialogue Series on Race & Faith
"Justice In June" Race Relations Curriculum
Cultural Diversity in the Workplace: Why Is It Important?
Enslaved.org (Find people who were involved in any aspect of the slave trade: enslaved people, owners & other participants.)
Confronting Racism At Work: A Reading List
Inheritance: A Project About American History, Black Life & the Resilience of Memory
It's Time For A New Approach to Racial Equity (McKinsey & Co.)
Advocating for Diversity As the Office "White Guy"
"Colorblindness" Is Not A Thing!
7 Common Racial Slurs To Avoid
The State of Black Women In Corporate America (Lean In/McKinsey & Co 2020 report)
Receive A Daily Email Highlighting A History of Racial Injustice in America
I've Been Complicit in Systemic Racism
4 Steps to Enhance Workplace Diversity
Getting Over Your Fear of Talking About Diversity
Top Native American Organizations To Know
FREE Yale University Course: African American History: From Emancipation to the Present
Corporate America Has Failed Black America
How Do I Make Certain I am Not Raising the Next "Amy Cooper"?
What NOT To Say To Someone Who Has Experienced Racial Trauma
For Our White Friends Desiring To Be Allies
75 Things White People Can Do For Racial Justice
Should You Use the Term "People of Color"
Anti-Racism Resources For White People
DiversityEDU Anti-Racism Resources
Toward a Racially Just Workplace
10 Actions Steps You Can Take To Promote Racial Justice In the Workplace
4 Ways to Tackle Discrimination in the Workplace
The Right Way For Companies To Weigh In
14 Microaggressions To Avoid In the Workplace
How HR Can Support Black Employees
5 Uncomfortable Truths Black Colleagues Need You To Know
Reading List: Confronting Race At Work
Diversity Best Practices Resource Hub
Companies Showing Black Employees That They Matter
The Difference Between First-Degree Racism and Third-Degree Racism
Why Imposter Syndrome Hits Women & Women of Color Harder
Here are some Movies/Videos/Documentaries/Podcasts to get the conversation started:
American Skin (the 2021 movie)
Hello Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea
Uncomfortable Conversations With A Black Man
10 Must-Watch Black History Documentaries
What Does White Privilege Look Like?
10 Documentaries To Watch About Race
11 Shows & Documentaries To Help You Learn About Racial Justice & Police Brutality
Here are some companies who spoke out about the need for change (as of May 31, 2020):
There’s a famous quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that still rings true to what is happening in our nation TODAY: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
I would love to hear your thoughts after you've had a chance to digest the information in these resources. Feel free to send me an email: [email protected]. Let's dig deeper. Let's ask questions. Let's talk. Let's listen.
CEO | Speaker | Certified Contracts Expert | AI Certified Consultant helping Leaders with Government Contracts, Training & Strategies
3 年Excellent list.
HR and Nonprofit Leader Driving Culture-First, People-First Organizations. Driving Growth Through Strategic Leadership
4 年Thank you Tana! This is great!
Decor and Event Planning
4 年NO WE ARE NOT !! Because BLACK LIVES MATTERED SINCE GOD ALLOWED CONCEPTION!! ????????????
Project Finance Analyst at Motorola Solutions
4 年Dr. Tana M. Session this is extremely good. I've been looking for somehere to channel my anger. Thanks so much ??
Empowering leaders of today & tomorrow by bridging the science of high performance with the art of empathy| Author of "Humanizing Leadership" | Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Yogi | ?Psychology, Mindfulness, EI
4 年I’m digging in. Thank you for sharing these resources, may I add another here in the comments? It’s an online social justice course I’m registering for.