It has been a minute since I’ve penned anything on here, but given our current global climate, I thought it was time. As a Black woman in marketing communications, I’ve often been one of few or the only one in my professional environment. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and attending a PWI, it is something I’ve unfortunately gotten used to. I’ve gotten used to always raising my hand to speak up on Black issues, the awkward silence from my white counterparts when it comes to discussing racial injustice, and of course, the discomfort of interoffice situations when you realize “all skin folk ain’t kinfolk.”
Quite frankly, I’m tired. and if you consider yourself an ally, you should be just as tired too.
I’ve penned a version of this piece for my employer, but I thought it would also be fitting to share my unedited next-to-final draft for you all to read, provide feedback and share insight if you feel inclined. I’m grateful that I do work for a company that did give me an opportunity to lift my voice in such an important time as this.
Continue to fight and press onward, y’all. In the words of Kendrick Lamar, we gon’ be alright.
It is no secret that we’re experiencing a time of extreme unrest in our country. The tragic murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and countless other Black men and women at the hands of law enforcement officers serve as yet another reminder of the deeply racist foundation on which our country stands. Millions of people reached a breaking point and have taken to the streets in cities (yet again) across the globe to protest against racial injustice, police brutality, and the lack of sound leadership from the highest office in the land.
On top of it all, we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic that continues to claim the lives of Black people at a much higher rate than any other race. These facts alone may be uncomfortable to face, but they should make you feel infuriated, disappointed, sad, and heartbroken.
The disvalue of Black lives in America is not a new concept. Systemic racism has shown itself across multiple sectors and industries for generations. Over the last five days, however, dozens of companies and organizations have released statements in lieu of our current reality.
Some have been powerful, informative, and authentic – unapologetically taking a stand against racism, speaking up about racial justice, and standing in solidarity with Black lives.
While others have been tone-deaf or completely missed the mark – forgetting about the pivotal role they’ve played in silencing voices who called organizational practices of systemic racism.
This isn’t a lesson in diversity and inclusion – actually, it’s much bigger than that. This is about how companies can strategically use our platforms, influence, and expertise to communicate and incite necessary change.
1. Review and reiterate your organization’s values
This is an opportunity to take a serious moment of reflection. What’s important to your organization and why? How does your work contribute to the bigger global conversation in creating equity and space for Black people within your company? Your industry? Think critically about this; it’s not time to rush and deliver what could be perceived as an empty statement. Demonstrating this can be in the form of a blog post, e-newsletter or posts on social media. Not only will your organization’s mission be reintroduced, but it will be even more evident that you’re consistently working toward better serving your community in a more inclusive way.
2. Show unwavering support to your Black employees, members, colleagues, stakeholders, and constituents.
It should go without saying, but for Black Americans right now, seeing more images of Black people being verbally accosted, harassed, physically violated, and murdered by the police is beyond traumatic. Add that to having to still perform professionally day after day, it’s a heavy burden to carry. Now is not the time to rely on their help to educate white employees on anti-Blackness. There are plenty of books, research, and scholarly articles that be found on the Internet on that topic. Developing an internal or external antiracism resource guide for how your organization exercises allyship and activism could be a step in the right direction. Airbnb shared theirs in a recent email to customers that was created by their Black employee resource group (ERG), Black@Airbnb. If your organization does choose to make a statement or develop any content regarding racial injustice in America and current protests, please have a strategic discussion before posting. It’s important that your content is informative, concise, sincere, and with a direct call to action.
3. Back up your words with action.
Marching and protesting are definitely ways to show solidarity, but financial contributions and signatures are needed too. There are dozens of organizations across the country that need support right now in the fight against racial injustice. Glossier announced that they are making a pledge to support various organizations combating racial injustice and established an initiative to support Black-owned beauty businesses. In addition to an internal resource guide, you can create a list of campaigns and grassroots organizations that focus on issues like social injustice, and bail funds for your audience to support.
Here are a few:
· Justice for George Floyd petition
· Justice for Breonna Taylor petition
· Justice for Tony McDade petition
· Justice for Ahmaud Arbery petition
To quote activist Jamila Burley, “#BlackLivesMatter isn’t just a hashtag, it’s a lifestyle.” This moment of history is etched in the heart and minds of Americans forever, but it can’t be viewed simply as a marketing or brand awareness activation. There’s no handbook for how to discuss racism within the workplace – it’s an uncomfortable conversation that must be had in order for solutions of change to be constant. Now isn’t the time to be silent; it’s to reflect, be thoughtful and strategic, and to act with intention.
Black lives have always mattered and will continue to matter each and every single day moving forward.
Click here for more ways you can help.