Reflections on Advancing Racial Justice in Diversity and Inclusion

Abstract

In late May 2020, a viral video showed a White police officer kneeling on the,neck of the handcuffed George Floyd while he was in the custody of the,Minneapolis Police Department, until he lost consciousness and eventually,died. The video sparked outrage and a protest movement from a vast,multicultural coalition demanding accountability to uphold the value and,dignity of Black lives. This spilled beyond the USA and influenced global,protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. I found myself,,already a diversity, equity and inclusion practitioner, joining Americans of all,ages and backgrounds on the streets, and raising my voice against the killing,of Floyd. Long-standing demands for accountability and justice were,reignited in these protests, and the sense of urgency and specific demands,from organizers and activists was even able to capture the attention of,corporate America, presenting an opportune, if not unprecedented, moment,among diversity, equity and inclusion practitioners and leaders, and enabling,Chief Diversity Officers to champion a racial justice mandate, through which,to offer a pragmatic and actionable approach while avoiding performative,allyship. I concentrate the lens of my inquiry on the experiences of Black,Americans in US workplaces, rather than taking a broader view that includes,non-Black people of color. Centering the Black experience is crucial because,the current conversation on racial justice was prompted by demands for,greater accountability for Black lives and futures.