Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black individuals and their contributions to a more diverse, compassionate, and holistic society. As this important month comes to a close, it’s essential to find ways to build on the awareness generated and actions many of us have taken in the months to come. The Black Talent Initiative has compiled a fantastic resource toolkit to support workplaces and individuals in combatting anti-Black racism, white privilege, and discrimination. Below are just a few of the resources listed:
- Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: Navigating Race in Canadian Workplaces Toolkit: This toolkit is designed to provide diversity and inclusion practitioners with relevant resources to talk about race and racism in the workplace. This comprehensive resource provides a brief historical background of racism in Canada and outlines actionable steps in building racially conscious organizations. Check out the CCDI’s Resource Site for additional resources, including an Educational Resource Guide to Racism and Anti-Black Racism, and Sustaining the Black Lives Matter movement in the workplace: A toolkit for employers.
- Being an inclusive workplace means that all employees are able to show up as their authentic selves. This article by Aysa Gray, from the Stanford Social Innovation Review highlights the bias of “professionalism” standards, including dress codes, speech, work style, and timeliness – all of which are rooted in and uphold white supremacy culture.
- Allyship from colleagues also contributes to inclusive workplaces. The word ally has come to take on many meanings and identifying as one is often performative. However, Amélie Lamont “does think [allyship is] a good starting place for those learning to be better allies,” as shared in their fantastic Guide to Allyship. This article from the Muse, 7 Examples of What Being an Ally at Work Really Looks Like, provides further guidance for how to use one’s power and privilege to support others.
It’s important to acknowledge the emotional toll that racism, micro-aggressions, and lack of inclusion play in diminishing the mental well-being of Black people, especially in the workplace. Too often, Black employees are asked to educate their colleagues, be the representative voice of Black communities, and lead diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on top of their full-time jobs, without additional compensation. This increased mental burden can often lead to burnout. The following articles provide insights and actions employers can take to reduce instances of burnout in Black employees:
- Microaggressions lead to burnout for Black employees
- Beware of burning out your Black employees
- Here’s How to Actually Help Women Of Color With Burnout
- Give Black Employees Time to Rest and Recover
Click here for the full Resource Toolkit.