I'm sharing a note that I sent to a former colleague who works in a large nonprofit organization. They inquired about strategies on how best to prepare communication about racial equity for their employees and the community:
Thank you for reaching out. In these difficult times, my fervent hope is that you and those you love are living and working in spaces that affirm and uphold the values of equity and justice. If not, I hope that you’re finding ways to do the transformational work you’ve set out to do in the world.
The past couple of weeks since George Floyd’s murder have been difficult on all people of color, especially Black Americans whose identities and communities are under attack by state-sanctioned violence. As a non-Black, foreign-born woman of color, I am humbled to witness the collective psychic suffering and political unrest over racial injustice. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the Black community in pushing Americans to confront the ugly truths about racial stratification in the U.S., and how anti-Black racism is supported by mechanisms of white supremacy. The ongoing protests have highlighted a multicultural solidarity to demand accountability and reverse the generations of harm caused by racism.
In my role as a diversity and inclusion practitioner with a background in strategic communications, I’ve followed the barrage of public statements issued by Chief Diversity Officers and other executives about current uprising for the full humanity and dignity of Black people in the U.S. Themes of communiques include the following:
Why is this important? Emphasize the organization’s values and its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and cultural competence in all operations and interactions with diverse stakeholders
While every organization is at different stages of their diversity, equity and inclusion journey, our society is now at an inflection point toward real and meaningful change. This is not only a teachable moment about why race matters in various structures of American life. It’s also a critical juncture for honest introspection about what needs to change within our organizations and in our communities. Do the courageous thing by supporting the carefully worded platitudes condemning racism with action and financial investments to elevate racial equity.
With much respect.
Thank you for reaching out. In these difficult times, my fervent hope is that you and those you love are living and working in spaces that affirm and uphold the values of equity and justice. If not, I hope that you’re finding ways to do the transformational work you’ve set out to do in the world.
The past couple of weeks since George Floyd’s murder have been difficult on all people of color, especially Black Americans whose identities and communities are under attack by state-sanctioned violence. As a non-Black, foreign-born woman of color, I am humbled to witness the collective psychic suffering and political unrest over racial injustice. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the Black community in pushing Americans to confront the ugly truths about racial stratification in the U.S., and how anti-Black racism is supported by mechanisms of white supremacy. The ongoing protests have highlighted a multicultural solidarity to demand accountability and reverse the generations of harm caused by racism.
In my role as a diversity and inclusion practitioner with a background in strategic communications, I’ve followed the barrage of public statements issued by Chief Diversity Officers and other executives about current uprising for the full humanity and dignity of Black people in the U.S. Themes of communiques include the following:
- Show of support and solidarity for Black employees who may be feeling traumatized. This includes notes from managers checking in on Black employees’ mental and emotional well-being during this time
- Public statement decrying police brutality and overreach; includes specific actions taken to limit or eliminate security sub-contracts with local police jurisdictions in response to calls to “defund the police”
- Public statement about providing financial support for local Black-serving community organizations
Why is this important? Emphasize the organization’s values and its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and cultural competence in all operations and interactions with diverse stakeholders
- Acknowledge the uprising across the U.S. and globally. Explicitly state the reason as “demand for racial justice” among underserved people of color, especially Black Americans.
- Unapologetically state: “Black Lives Matter.”
- Name the racialized reality for people of color, particularly Black Americans: heightened scrutiny, different treatment from authority figures
- Acknowledge the reality that as COVID-19 ravages the world, people of color in the U.S. are disproportionately impacted. On top of COVID-19, Black people in America must also contend with interpersonal, systemin and institutional racism.
- If the statement of support is intended for an internal audience only, list emotional and/or mental health benefit offerings, including Employee Assistance Program, etc. Offer support from Human Resources, managers, as the organization navigate difficult, tumultuous times
While every organization is at different stages of their diversity, equity and inclusion journey, our society is now at an inflection point toward real and meaningful change. This is not only a teachable moment about why race matters in various structures of American life. It’s also a critical juncture for honest introspection about what needs to change within our organizations and in our communities. Do the courageous thing by supporting the carefully worded platitudes condemning racism with action and financial investments to elevate racial equity.
With much respect.
