How to Be Antiracist in Your Business
When I launched my Antiracist Communications Strategy consulting service, it felt like for the first time in my life, my personal and professional selves were in full alignment. Every aspect of my career, lived experience, and commitment to action in all situations finally made sense.
What a feeling!
I observed companies do one of two things in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder:
They posted a Black Lives Matter statement, then went about their business as if that was just a blip on the radar; or
A BLM statement was posted, followed by a black square, and subsequent posting has slowed dramatically, or ground to a halt.
I studied the approaches of various brands on social media because I was distraught, perplexed, and fascinated. Conversations with my clients and colleagues showed me how lost business owners felt about navigating the changing waters of discussions of race in the United States.
What's Holding You Back?
Companies wanted to express their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion but sat in trepidation. The fear of moving forward and making a mistake was palpable.
Antiracism implies action, so to have that value in your business means that the work is not slowed by navel-gazing or fear. Errors will be made. You learn from them, and move on. You will always challenge yourself, be challenged, and challenge others.
I understand that the urgency of this work is new to many folks, but there is no time to waste. To help get business owners from unstuck to ready to move into action in their antiracism efforts, I worked with Pepperlane to create a guide called “5 Steps to Infuse Antiracism Into Your Small Business.”
Define Your Values
One suggestion from the article provides a great starting point--draft your diversity statement. Why? Because,
"Gaining clarity on what you're reacting to can help you narrow down what you're fighting for—and where you can start."
It may be hard to imagine how you as an individual or a small business owner can begin to change the tide on centuries of oppression. But with over 328 million people in the United States and almost 31 million small businesses, imagine the waves of change that can be brought forth if even one-quarter commit to action.
Step Into Action
This work isn’t just about your messaging. It’s about putting ongoing action behind your words and images.
This is that moment when our children will ask what we did in the face of violence and hatred. How will you answer?
Move to action now by checking out the article.
Want to continue the conversation? I invite you to schedule a consultation with me to talk it through.
What other ways are you taking action to be antiracist in your life and work?
Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash