TruThoughts: The Labor for Black/People of Color In Fighting for Diversity (Equity) & Inclusion.
I’ma break down why, while visibility is all good and well, it takes systemic change in the “transformation of the fundamental qualities and tenets of the system itself” when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
On a surface level, visibility introduces the aspect of displaying the talents and qualified people who are underrepresented, no matter the space. It encourages not only public-facing value, but also for said visible people to be introduced into the “system” originally not designed for diversity and inclusion.
There are many ways of visibility: Panels, workshops, special events, interaction between corporate and underrepresented by the way of Black people/People of Color. It is all admirable as any visibility is good for the cause. The bigger issue is beyond the lack of visibility. Corporations must change from top-down and inside-out.
Many Black/People of Color will gladly participate the visibility aspect because its minimal work. It’s literally a place to show off one’s talents and basically elevator pitch to both mutuals alike and non-People of Color. The actual labor of pushing for systemic change by the way of diversity and inclusion? Not many put in that effort.
Not many Black/People of Color, in a general stance, will stick their necks out, challenge status quos, and speak up for the voiceless due to fear of rejection, retaliation, and/or losing opportunities and connections.
True push for Diversity & Inclusion is not pretty. It is not clean.
Even when you give your blood, sweat, and tears into challenging the status quo, those on the surface level will decide on one or two things: You are either too radical or they fear what they don’t understand, and therefore, dismiss all the work you and others alongside you put in.
You’ll have that small percentage that will root for you and push you to keep doing it because they see that the work is indeed needed, but not many will rise up to the cause. Those are the people you gravitate towards when it comes to true systemic change and push for diversity and inclusion.
For everyone else, while they may not understand the bigger picture, at a time where they will be open to listening, rather than reactive, will then understand. [See: Black Panther Party, Malcolm X, Kwame Ture, Assata Shakur, Angela Davis, etc.]
I say all of this to say, if you are TRULY for Diversity & Inclusion: It’s never about you. Will never be about you. It’s for the betterment of the Black/People of Color masses in ensuring that the future reflects what the world looks like…NO MATTER THE INDUSTRY.
Even when getting shouted down, dismissed, cussed out, made an enemy: I will always fight for my people. As both a Black & Latino (Latinx), I reflect two demographics. There’s a reason why my resume reflects the way it does. I have a big vision…and its either you support or move.
If you desire to know my personal story, I will express how I came from humble beginnings.
I made it so at 29 right now based on the work I’ve put in. The failures and denials I’ve endured time and time again. But I believe in my purpose and I believe in my impact.
I’m here.
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[Original Posting on my LinkedIn]
