4 Ways to Support Your Black Coworkers

George Floyd. Ahmuad Arbery. Breonna Taylor. The current state of affairs has caused people to think. And think. And think. We are seeing others in a way that we never have before. Like many issues in our lives, the current state of events become both the conversation at the water cooler and the conversation at the dinner table.  But, what do you say?  What don’t you say? How do you support your black coworkers during this time?

Examine Your Privilege and Bias

Accept that as a white person, you have advantages that Black people and other minorities simply don’t have. That’s not to place blame on you or make you feel guilty about your race. It is just important that you understand your privilege that because accepting that will help you to empathize with others.

It is also gravely important you unearth any biases that you may consciously or unconsciously struggle with. What are your ideas about Black people? How do you view them? What stereotypes have you accepted about Black people? The next step is overcoming those biases by listening to the experiences of Black people and educating yourself on their history and current plight.

Just Listen

The most important thing to remember is that people want to be heard. Every individual deserves to be respected and valued. As an HR Manager, I have had to coach leaders on the importance of listening.  Listening is not only important to ensure you obtain all of the necessary information in decision making, but it is a critical part of understanding the perspectives of others. There is no bigger disrespect, for coworkers, friends or your children, than your inability to actively listen to how they are feeling.

If you have the opportunity to discuss race relations at work, listen without judgement, with an open heart and with an aim to understand. Don’t make it about you, just listen.

But you can also read the posts your black colleagues are sharing online. Just take in what they are saying and take it for face value. Don’t try to analyze it, politicize it or minimize their experiences. Accept and empathize as they openly share their perspectives.

Educate Yourself

The history books used in most public school classrooms have left us all ignorant to so much that happened in our nation and around the world. This is the time to educate yourself on more than just those few notable figures we were taught in school (i.e. Dr. Martin Luther King and Frederick Douglass). We all need to learn about slavery and Jim Crow,  Black Wall Street and  the 1906 Atlanta Race Riots. It’s important to read about Emmett Till and how his death impacted the Civil Rights Movement. Educating ourselves on the the War on Drugs and how it has impacted Black families is also crucial.

Reading articles on systemic racism and how it affects African Americans in almost every aspect of their lives, from income and healthcare to education and housing is other way to gain insight on racial inequality. Watching movies like When They See Us and Just Mercy will help us understand systemic racism in the justice system. Education is the first step to understanding.

Be an Ally

Black people want to know that they matter. That’s the whole point of the phrase Black Lives Matter. For so long Black people, black lives have not been valued. When you become an ally, you add to the body of voices from other races saying, ‘you do matter.’

How do you become an ally? So many individuals and business have donated money to causes connected to ending racial injustices and racial inequality and that money helps, but we need more than money to change the state of racism. Here are some things you can do to help…

1. Don’t be silent. Speak up on social media. Post information to your followers to educate them.
2. Attend protests and informational meetings on changing racial inequality.
3. Check on your Black coworkers and ask them how you can help.
4. Be vocal when you witness bias or racism.
5. Support Black businesses and nonprofits.
6. Volunteer with organizations aiming to change racial inequality.
7. Teach your children Black history.
8. Commit to and embrace diversity. Diversify your mom tribe. Advocate for diversity at work and at church.

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. – Dr. Martin Luther King

I have a few white friends that have been consistently sharing Black Lives Matter posts on Facebook. There is no greater sign of understanding and progress than to see your white counterparts taking a stance with you in this fight. It is a feeling of validation and hope.

It may be a bit uncomfortable and sometimes tough to have these discussions. It will also take some courage to stand for justice and equality, but your voice is needed. Your voice is appreciated. We are in this together.