Speaker and consultant helping institutions achieve greater racial diversity and belonging
Dear Christian school and university leader, What message does it send to students when the majority of the people serving food or cleaning the campus are black, but there are hardly any black teachers or leaders? What message does it send when the only black teachers are the football and basketball coaches? I know it's hard to find minorities willing to work in Christian schools and universities, for a whole host of reasons. But there are ways to increase black applicants.* 1) Develop relationships with black churches in the area. Meet their pastors. Take them to lunch or coffee. Build trust. Identify ways to serve these churches. Then, when you have an opening, you can call these Christian leaders and they can announce the job, post the job, and inform their networks. 2) Host a job fair at your school or university. In hosting the job fair, you can partner with other schools or universities in the area, but be sure to recruit minorities to attend. Which leads me to... 3) Recruit from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). There are Christian graduates who may be interested in openly expressing their faith while fulfilling their vocational interests. HBCUs are also producing strong graduates in the STEM fields. 4) Form a parent group comprised of parents who are interested in diversity and unity. You will have parents from all different races and backgrounds who want to participate. Even if the group is small, their network will be vast. By using this strategy I was once introduced to at least five black qualified candidates for an open middle-school principal position. 5) Pray that God will send you those kingdom minded black people who share your biblical values. Prayer works. 6) Ensure that you address possible impediments to minority flourishing that may deter black candidates or lead to low retention. This is not about simply hiring black people regardless of their qualifications. This is about contesting the narrative that says there are no qualified black leaders and teachers who love Jesus who can contribute to your school. This is about breaking down the walls of segregation that still exist in our communities. This is about being hospitable to the stranger and welcoming him or her in. This is about me. I've been working at predominantly white schools and universities for the past eight years because leaders saw the value in intentionally bringing my cultural perspective and background to their institutions. There are other men and women who God wants to use to bring light, love, and leadership to your school. Trust Him, and start taking the steps today! *These lessons also work for minorities of any ethnic background.
Stella Peeples
5mo
This is well said! As you stated, it works for any ethnic background. As a Latina, It bothers me that people still today say, “well their accent interferes with their teaching ability” or “well our students wouldn’t really listen to them because they are different.” My response …whatever happened to teaching our students (at any institution level) how to change their “lenses” rather than just being complacent in our decision making.
Lantz Howard
5mo
This is great insight and useful. I am grateful for your voice and leadership in the space.
Well said, Aaron
Well said!
Thank you. When an entity preaches diversity, but their leadership lacks the same: prepare for the performances.
Well said! Every point/idea you’ve presented can be implemented immediately.
Does it matter what you believe? Search for truth
Mac Ice
5mo
Just saw Leonard's note regarding your book project. I look forward to reading it. I know so little about that area of theology.
Adebolu Adegbite
5mo
Pay them same salary as the others
Author of Slave No More: Conquering the Master Within | Educational Consultant | Speaker | Encourager
5mo#5 is how I transitioned from my last corporate job back into education. The Head of School prayed that the Lord would send the right person for their Dean of Students position, and the Lord brought my name to him. I was not looking for a job—in fact, I had just received a promotion and significant raise. But after the first interview with the HOS, I saw the fit and how much I aligned with the schools vision and Kingdom values considering how to deal with children. Not only was the position filled, but I was fulfilled by the work. Thanks for sharing.