Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) are not new – these are words we have heard in business for at least 20 years now. What is new is the leaning in around issues of race. More than Representation Companies that are committed to D&I are being asked to take a look at the representation of … [Continue reading] Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism and Belonging
racism
The Monarchy and White Supremacy – Meghan and Harry (part 2)
This week, let’s examine white supremacy and the monarchy. White supremacy is a concept (not a hate group, although those groups are based on the concept and use it to do hateful things). As a concept, it is about white skin being the standard or norm, and people with white skin being … [Continue reading] The Monarchy and White Supremacy – Meghan and Harry (part 2)
The Pervasiveness of Racism – Musings about Meghan & Harry’s Interview with Oprah (Part 1)
There are so many things I want to write about, with regard to the interview Meghan and Harry gave with Oprah which aired on Sunday. You’ll see these musings over the next few weeks. Today, I’m focusing on the big picture – the pervasiveness of racism. Racism is Pervasive Let’s take in the … [Continue reading] The Pervasiveness of Racism – Musings about Meghan & Harry’s Interview with Oprah (Part 1)
Musings about Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is getting a lot of attention this week. If you haven’t read about the decision to no longer publish 6 books you can do so here. The CBC article has many good points, some of which I will discuss below. Impact First, let’s talk about the impact of images and words in books. The … [Continue reading] Musings about Dr. Seuss
Anti-Black Racism is Real
I’m feeling hopeful this week as our federal political leaders have publicly stated that anti-Black racism is real in Canada. Because it is. Because we need to talk about it. Because allies help in our struggles for justice of all kinds. (You can read about the statements made here and … [Continue reading] Anti-Black Racism is Real
Food for Thought for Black History Month
Every year I cringe when February arrives. And every year I try to think of new ways to raise awareness that can bring us closer to understanding and bridging the racial divide. This year I encourage you to pay attention to what you see and hear during Black History Month specifically related to … [Continue reading] Food for Thought for Black History Month
The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Last week I was in San Antonio, Texas for the Evolutionary Business Council’s annual conference. My colleague and I led a short session called Real Talk: Race, Equity and Raising Social Consciousness. We also met with the organizational leadership to discuss these issues in the context of … [Continue reading] The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
So, Justin Trudeau is in hot water as images of him in “brownface” 18 years ago have surfaced. And although I’m disappointed, I’m not surprised. Well, maybe a little that it was only 18 years. Why? Because this is an example of how deeply the social construct of race has embedded itself into our … [Continue reading] Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
Serena Williams – part 2
I have had the opportunity of a few discussions about Serena since last week’s blog – all of which I am grateful for. A key component of diversity and inclusion is dialogue and discussion. It’s imperative that we create an environment where we can share our perspectives and expand our awareness in … [Continue reading] Serena Williams – part 2
Starbucks and Anti-Bias Training
Yesterday Starbucks closed most of its stores in the USA to provide anti-bias training for their staff. This was part of their response to the incident at one of their locations in Philadelphia where the police were called and two Black men were arrested as they waited for their friend. Starbucks … [Continue reading] Starbucks and Anti-Bias Training