February rolls around again, and your employees might collectively feel a sense of uneasiness — do we recognize Black History Month?
Race can be a touchy subject in the workplace. So, rather than risk feeling uncomfortable, many executives try to be “colorblind” in a misdirected attempt to promote equality. However, this approach is a form of bias — colorblindness dismisses the unique experiences minorities have because of their race.
Shying away from tough topics is a natural human instinct. But business leaders need to actively consider ways to amplify Black voices and stories if they truly want to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).
This Black History Month, challenge your team to go beyond marketing messages which preach solidarity but offer little action. Possibilities include:
Host a panel of Black content creators or industry leaders.
This is a great way to facilitate conversations and allow employees to engage in an open dialogue. Hiring a DE&I keynote speaker could also help redirect company culture and get the ball rolling in creating a more equitable workplace. Locally, OKC’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Shalynne Jackson is a valuable resource.
Support Black influencers and business owners.
Forming inclusive partnerships with Black content creators and local business owners can level the playing field and help support racial equality. You can also connect with local Black Chambers of Commerce when sourcing new vendors or contractors for professional services.
Make a corporate donation to a nonprofit which empowers Black voices.
As the saying goes, put your money where your mouth is. Your company could offer employee donation matching to make a bigger impact on organizations which promote racial equality, champion social justice and celebrate Black culture.
Honoring Black History Month is a great step in lifting underrepresented voices. However, going beyond simply acknowledging the month and actively engaging Black neighbors and peers is vital in building genuine connections and making a true difference.
Emily Russell
Emily’s background is rooted in journalism and advertising copywriting, though she creates content for a variety of clients and platforms. She has extensive experience writing for traditional media like television and radio and is skilled at crafting engaging news releases to grab readers’ attention.
