Black Lives Matter! Yes, even in the workplace

Black Lives Matter! Yes, even in the workplace

LinkedIn really looks like business as usual to me this afternoon. Talk about an echo chamber! Scrolling through my feed you’d think that the business world is an alternate reality to what is happening on the outside.

What happened to George Floyd was disgusting and I’ve already spoken about it at length on my personal social networks, but that doesn’t mean the conversation shouldn’t be had on here too. Or should we pretend that covert racial injustice and systemic racism hasn’t shaped the business world and our work environments too? A lot of you don’t realise how emotionally and mentally draining it is for a black person whenever we hear/see another black person has been killed because of the colour of their skin. But being passed over for promotions and job offers, or not having the same opportunities, or being treated differently by colleagues is also draining and unfortunately is still a common occurrence due to white privilege. I’m aware other privileges also exist including male privilege so a lot of what I write below relates to that too, although I am specifically talking about race here. Oh, and racism is not just an American issue.

The truth is silence and inaction is just as damaging. You can’t spell ignorance without ignore - and I think those that are aware of issues but ignore are in the same camp as the ignorant. 

This isn’t a call to action to see my LinkedIn peppered with black boxes, Black Lives Matter slogans and black & white logos. Although yes, that would be great to see as it shows awareness of the situation and that you're standing on the side of change. But, what will be more important to me is to be hearing about how as businesses or individuals within businesses we’re tackling unconscious bias, white privilege and systemic racism. 

  • How do your business policies affect racial equality for your employees, customers, suppliers? As a company are you non-racist or actively anti-racist?
  • What is the makeup of your leadership teams? Are they diverse and representative?
  • What are your policies around hiring? Are there unconscious biases in place that disadvantage certain people? How can those biases be removed?
  • Do you have an environment where people can feel comfortable enough to report or call-out discrimination without feeling ostracised afterwards?

On an individual level:

  • Check-in with your black colleagues - I can’t speak for everyone but speaking for myself, It means more than you think to check-in with your black colleagues, not just pretend like nothing has happened to avoid the feeling of discomfort. They may not want to talk about it, which is fine; they are entitled to feel that way. But it shows you care.
  • Educate yourself - Do your own research on matters of racism, injustice, unconscious bias. There is more than enough information out there. By being better informed you will be able to make changes in your own approach and outlook to change the workplace environment.
  • Call-out discrimination - If you see or perceive discrimination against a colleague, don’t stay silent. Silent outrage will NEVER change anything. Take a cue from the current movement and gain the confidence to speak out in the workplace in the same way people are speaking out in the media and other social settings. If you hear jokes or statements that have a racist undertone, point them out too. 

I’m sure there are so many more things to be said beyond what I’ve written above. I’m not an expert (there are people much smarter and more eloquent than me on this topic) but I can only speak on my experiences.

The key point I’m trying to make is that if you benefit from privilege you are in a position to create change. In the case of racism, the marginalised cannot affect change alone, the issues are too systemically deep-rooted, but chances are if you are reading this you are in a position to help.

So continue to spread awareness, educate yourselves, make room for us at the table. And when the media moves onto another topic, make a conscious effort to continue the fight for racial equality.

Doba Afolabi

Painter @DIARTPORAinc

2y

For real …

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Well obviously, lol. That is the place where people of varying economic, religious, and cultural values meet and work together.

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Melissa Spezowka

Women's Empowerment and Life Coach at "Unlock Your Potential" with Melissa Spezowka

2y

Yes they do and all lives matter

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Anthony Richards

Regional Manager of Operations at Panago Pizza Inc.

3y

Staying silent will not help to bring about change, we need to deal with the uncomfortable situations that presents themselves when co-workers, friends or family are discriminating against anyone. Staying silent contributes to racism, where as by calling out individuals when needed can create awareness and educate them to be better.

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