We stand in solidarity with black people around the world. And we want to do more to help, but we’re not sure how.
We’ve spoken with some of our African-Canadian teammates and they’ve told us of how they have come to accept a fear, even here in Canada, that people of European descent just don’t experience.
This has to stop.
If you have some ideas, please share them in the comments below. One of the best things I've heard in the last several months is to listen and learn. We are all ears.
Comments
Hire black people. Create scholarships for black students. Teach about racism against blacks, against Canadian indigenous people and other minorities in school. Hire black and minority teachers proportionately to better represent the population.
In the late 60’s, in the midst of the riots after MLK’s assassination, a very dear friend of mine, a black man from PA working in Chicago, and I started a group we called the “Salt & Pepper” group. He brought a dozen black folks to the pot and I brought a dozen white folks (I’m white myself). He always felt that only personal, at home, up close connection between us would ever make the difference necessary. We met every Friday evening for a potluck at one of our homes alternating from the north to the south side of Chicago…black home to a white home. We went thru everything you can imagine…deep conversations, sometimes yelling, sometimes crying but all “at home” and up close. Even a young, very hostile black man who originally kept referring to us as “you honkies” came around after about 2 months and we all became very close, supportive friends. I went to Jesse Jackson’s church services and even brought my 8 year old son with me, often with the group. That’s when the crossed-arms chant of “we shall overcome” was initiated. Each service was incredibly inspiring! After a year we realized that we had NO “racial” issues between us anymore and we were just one big “family”. There was no conflict to resolve and we decided it was time to end our formal gatherings, so we did. But the work was done and we just loved and appreciated each other. Not sure how this experience translates to today and what’s needed NOW but I do feel that the basic premise of experiencing each other’s personal lives and space has power and merit. Thanks for even asking… :-). Lynne
I believe a large part of the problem is the low standards that are used to fill police position. On Maui all you need is a high school diploma. We need more intelligence behind the scene.
These officers have direct contract with a social network of every kind of human being. They need more education, in social studies and human psychology .
Amplify black makers/designers/team members wherever you can. Developing a new product in collaboration with another organization, or testing it before launch? Ask BIPOC people to provide public feedback/endorsements. Seek out BIPOC Canadian designers & work with them. Seek out chemists, farmers, fabric suppliers, etc that are radicalized, and support their work through your products. Make sure your white staff have access to, discuss, and incorporate anti-racist information and training in their work lives. Be VOCAL about injustice you see – and put your brand behind those statements. Amplify Black voices in your social media marketing. Make space, and keep being good at what you do, and make sure you do no harm in doing it.
A smile and a polite greeting go a long way toward reducing the distance between people. That goes for groups and individuals. Learning the names (at least their first names) of neighbors and fellow workers, listening and responding gently without raising tones and volumes and insisting you are right and the other is wrong when there is a difference of opinion, and avoid gossiping about someone’s appearance or attractiveness. Maintain eye level – not necessarily eye contact. Think about that other person as a good friend not an adversary and as one who has much to contribute to you, to your community, and society.
Start early. Children learn whether we want them to or not. Early childhood sensitivity to the inherent dignity of everyone is taught with every gesture, tone of voice, remark made by the adults in their world. Be kind. Be thoughtful. Manners and courtesy to all. Call out bad behavior. Be sensitive. It’s hard work but we have to do it.
Learn as much as you can from Black and Indigenous people about systemic and interpersonal racism – preferably via reading books, articles, blogs, and watching documentaries instead of putting the burden on the Black people in your life to educate you. Then have lots and lots of conversations with other white people – take on the work of educating white people on anti-racism.
Get the Antiracism Starter Kit by L. Glenise Pike
Masks with “All Lives Matter”. GF
Educate yourself, I highly recommend the book White Fragility and the documentary 13th (on Netflix). As a company, offer support your POC employees. Look into if you can source materials for your products from black owned businesses.