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Anonymous
06/02/20 at 1:05PM UTC
in
Diversity & Inclusion

Conflicted about my company's non-response to current events

After #MeToo exploded, my company wasted absolutely zero time putting together videos and conference calls and emails regarding how they did not tolerate sexual harassment of ANY sort. The CEO made statements. The VPs made statements. Their employees would be protected against this sort of thing, no questions asked. But now that #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd has gripped the country, there's been complete silence from my company. Not an email. Not a blog post. Nothing on social media. I know that the novel coronavirus has hit my industry especially hard and god knows that as a black woman, I don't want just PR lip service because racial inequality happens to be trending. But the fact that my company hasn't even addressed it internally makes me feel exceedingly uncomfortable as each day goes by to the sound of crickets. I feel like I should just suck it up, chalk it up to being the only black person left in the department after layoffs and furloughs (I should be thankful I have a job, etc etc), especially considering the vitriol I've seen from non-black people focusing entirely on the violent protests enacted by the few instead of the peaceful protests held by the majority.

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Lisa
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432
Nurse, Technology Writer, Healthcare Executive
06/04/20 at 3:59PM UTC
I definitely understand how a lot of you are feeling on this thread. As a Black employee, I was also initially disappointed that my company had not released a statement about what is happening. Companies I never thought would use #blacklivesmatter, suddenly were, and those who did not still made a statement that Black lives do matter. I actually reached out to my boss and his boss (both White and male), and told them I am surprised our company had said nothing so far. We are a health insurance plan that mostly covers Medicaid and Medicare, and more than half of our members are minorities. To their credit, they were both completely open to my feedback. In fact, the company released a statement the following day. I am now involved in helping to form our company's more sustained actions since 1 statement alone will not result in lasting change. Just wanted to share that speaking up can work, and you don't have to seek employment elsewhere if your company is willing to listen.
Kimberly Ellsworth
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41
Creative problem solver + UX Designer
06/03/20 at 9:04PM UTC
I'm so sorry that you're carrying this weight alone. I can't imagine how exhausting it must be to be the only Black voice in the room. You've mentioned that there aren't many POC in general in supervisory or management positions in your company. How supportive are your colleagues in similar positions to your own? Do you have any work friends, BIPOC and white that you could ask to speak up WITH you?
Anonymous
06/04/20 at 12:03AM UTC
I think white allyship is key, actually....it will also probably be taken more seriously, unfortunately.
Tanal Basma
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75
Connecting high performance teams
06/03/20 at 3:50PM UTC
Sorry to hear you're in such a tough situation. As the only person of color, it makes it harder to speak up. Use this as a teachable moment for leadership, Talk with our HR business partner if you have one about your hurt, find an ally within leadership that can help you bring up the topic and share articles with your internal communications. Laura Morgan Roberts has a linkedIn live on the topic: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6673681028009340928/?commentUrn=urn%3Ali%3Acomment%3A(ugcPost%3A6673627220222763008%2C6673680929887801344) Here's a compiled resource list you can select from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BRlF2_zhNe86SGgHa6-VlBO-QgirITwCTugSfKie5Fs/preview?pru=AAABco-XqDE*6e5KDSv5p2uqCsAcT_4r2Q&fbclid=IwAR1vHy1d_-h2T8JdaajBvQV0gsByRbAeRiBIoFxa2iMHyJvmn1EeKmu8EHM
S. Teachey
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145
06/03/20 at 2:40PM UTC
I work for a large global bank...A colleague of mine was bold.... she emailed the CEO and spoke up. She was honest... tactful and thoughtful in her approach and provide the right level of context and depth. She shared the email with me Friday evening and by Sunday evening our CEO sent an email to all employees acknowledging the tragedies, hurt and pain that people of color are expressing around the world and acknowledging the company’s support of the black community, as well as the investments and actions we’re taking as a company to address gaps. He also thanked “everyone” who sent emails to him... So she wasnt the only one bold enough to step up. I thanked her from the bottom of my heart for speaking on behalf of “us”. I would never tell a coworker... but I’m hurt and I’ve cried everyday since the video of George Floyd’s death. My family and friends (who never knew him) were all heartbroken...angry and drained from the repeated murder and cruelty happening in our community...before COVID-19 and still trying to focus on work, and family. We received another email from the CEO pledging additional funding to support initiatives already in the works to strengthen our support in the African American community. Its not a fix but its a start to acknowledging that we are human beings first... and we’re grappling with a collective issue. To contrast when a colleague of mine asked my immediate manager in our Monday morning meeting how things (Protests and Riots) were going in NYC... his response: “Ive been a bit oblivious to it all”. Then he proceded with his thought on looting. Im amazed at how some people and my local news changed the narrative to “property damage“ and “rebuilding the city” My point.. aim high. The folks at the top usually get it and understand the value of the racial diversity within the company...if they don’t, follow your heart and values.
User deleted comment on 06/03/20 at 12:50PM UTC
Anonymous
06/02/20 at 8:06PM UTC (Edited)
I really don't listen to what companies say so if a company issues a statement it really has no meaning to me. It's what they do that counts. Are their hiring practices reflecting the culture in which they operate or our country? Is the leadership all one race or gender? That speaks volumes.
Anonymous
06/04/20 at 12:03AM UTC
Actions do matter but I think that words do as well....I think its not an either or situation

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