Black History (Heritage) Month is the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and lives of people who were overlooked, underestimated and stolen from for generations. It is a time to look at where we can do better to amplify the voices of black people in every facet of society. We are at a crucial point when we can either continue to push for equality or fall back into the status quo of doing what feels comfortable.
Here’s what is happening: states are passing laws to ban teaching history of black people, affirmative action has been dismantled and slowly many of the diversity, equity and inclusion departments, programs and jobs are being eliminated. These things could signal that society, companies and people no longer care to acknowledge, let alone celebrate, black people or other minority groups.
This is when companies can show their commitment to diversity, and it can be all year long. Baking cultural appreciation into the very fabric of corporate and external communications that extends beyond a month speaks volumes and can take a couple steps. First, ensure that messaging and content accurately represent diverse perspectives and experiences. This means actively seeking and including voices that have been historically marginalized. Second, companies can work to create inclusive and welcoming environments within their organizations, fostering a culture where diverse voices are heard and valued. By promoting open dialogue and providing opportunities for employees to share their experiences, communicators within a company can help to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
In the realm of corporate and external communications, communicators have a unique opportunity to drive positive change by promoting diversity and inclusion. To effectively do so, communicators should also prioritize the representation of diverse perspectives and experiences in their messaging and content. This entails actively seeking out and including voices that have been historically marginalized. By fostering inclusive and welcoming environments within their organizations, communicators can create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.
It is undoubtedly uncomfortable to confront the painful history of racial strife in our nation. However, instead of shying away from this discomfort, we should allow it to motivate us to take action and strive for a better future. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of equality and justice for all is not just a distant aspiration; it is a living legacy that resides within each of us. By embracing this dream and working together, we can bring it to fruition and create a society where all individuals, regardless of race or background, are treated with dignity and respect.
- Charlyne McWilliams, SVP