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Become a Better Ally to Your Black Colleagues
In order to strengthen the workplace and address diversity and inclusion goals, you must become a better ally to your Black colleagues. Part of the Black History Month 2022 Series.
During Black History Month, there is much focus on the achievements and future possibilities of the Black community. But these achievements and possibilities do not occur in a vacuum. Impacted by well-intentioned (and sometimes bad-intentioned) people who want to help, their efforts don’t match their intentions.
Because Black people are less likely to report to other Black people in the workplace, they must rely on their colleagues to create an environment where they can thrive and succeed.
Last year, I addressed ways to move from diversity statements to diversity actions in the workplace. This year, I am encouraging people who are not Black to become better allies in the workplace. If you do not self-identify as Black, consider this post directed at you.
Change Starts With You (and Me)
It can sound trite to say that during Black History Month, you should focus on yourself. But to create real change that positively impacts our work environments, we do need to focus on what we can do. In other words, it’s not enough to say you celebrate Black excellence and joy — what…
