Crystal D. Dumas, B.A.Sc.’s Post

To those who attempt to define the roles or capabilities of Black professionals, I would like to offer some perspective. As an educated and empowered Black woman, I stand as a testament to the vast potential and diverse contributions that Black professionals bring to every field. From educators and doctors to computer technicians and professors, Black individuals excel in a myriad of professions, not because of any predetermined societal roles, but because of our dedication, expertise, and passion. It's essential to recognize that talent, ambition, and intelligence are not bound by race or ethnicity. Limiting beliefs about what Black professionals can achieve are outdated and rooted in stereotypes that have no place in our modern, diverse world. I choose to surround myself with positivity and empowerment, and I encourage all Black professionals to embrace their unique talents and pursue their goals with confidence. Let us continue to break barriers, redefine expectations, and inspire future generations to dream without limits. Our success is not just a personal victory but a collective stride toward a more inclusive and equitable society.

How can businesses and colleagues be effective allies to Black employees year-round? To truly support Black employees year-round, businesses and colleagues should gain insights and understanding into the Black history and culture. This could be done through events where everyone can share their backgrounds through food and stories.. thereby creating a space for honest conversations about experiences and challenges. #BlackHistoryMonth #LinkedInNewsUK

"The R-RIGHTS' Timeline to STEA  MM + Equity Ethics is a powerful testament to the enduring legacy and transformative impact of Black innovators throughout history. This initiative shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and creators who have shaped our world in profound ways. From groundbreaking inventions and pioneering research to societal advancements and cultural enrichment, the timeline celebrates the remarkable achievements of these individuals. By bringing their stories to the forefront, R-RIGHTS aims to inspire future generations, promote equity in STEM fields, and ensure that the invaluable contributions of Black innovators receive the recognition and appreciation they rightfully deserve." https://lnkd.in/g7aStHFT

Black communities face significant barriers to accessing quality education, funding, and resources, which limits their ability to develop and showcase their skills. It is necessary to acknowledge and dismantle systemic racism and bias in order to provide equal access to education and resources, as well as to amplify Black voices and innovations. Other factors that contribute to the suppression of Black people's talents, skills, and innovation include the historical exploitation of colonialists, discrimination practices, laws, and social norms like stereotyping, which are especially sparked by biases in media presentation. For instance, rewarding Black entrepreneurs and inventors for their accomplishments and ideas could foster a more welcoming and equal one that honors & encourages black talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Check Out This Article: These 10 Black Environmentalists Are Bringing Diversity To The Movement

Good Morning! The Black Consciousness Day is not just about celebrating achievements but also about recognizing that there is still a long way to go to ensure that the talent, effort, and ability of each individual are equally valued, regardless of their skin color. Companies, leaders, and professionals have the responsibility to promote affirmative actions, create more inclusive environments, and ensure that Black individuals have a voice and space to grow in their careers. Diversity is much more than a corporate goal; it is a human value that transforms the world around us. On this day, how about reflecting on the impact each of us can have in building a fairer and more equal society? After all, when we open doors and create equal opportunities for everyone, everyone wins. Let’s make Black Consciousness a daily commitment to justice, inclusion, and respect.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we must also acknowledge the invisible chains that still bind our country due to systemic racism. The legacy of slavery continues to impact the lives of Black Americans today, from disproportionately high rates of incarceration to limited access to quality education and opportunities. We must all commit to being actively anti-racist and dismantling the systems that uphold white supremacy. This means advocating for policies that promote equity and justice, supporting Black-owned businesses, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. As a professional in the corporate world, I recognize the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. We must actively work to dismantle the barriers that prevent Black professionals from advancing in their careers and ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities for success. Let us use this day of celebration as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create a truly equal and just society. We must continue to educate others, have difficult conversations, and take action.

🤝 Supporting Black Colleagues Year-Round 🤝 We asked how allies can actively support and uplift Black colleagues beyond Black History Month, and here's what you shared:   ✍️ The poll shows that 55% believe challenging unfair policies is the most effective way allies can support Black colleagues year-round, followed by amplifying Black voices (26%) and educating non-Black colleagues (16%).   We value your insights, and we invite you to join us at the upcoming panel, where we'll delve more deeply into this topic: https://lnkd.in/erjW6_9M   #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #myGworkPanel

Today we recognize and celebrate America’s “Second Independence Day,” Juneteenth. At GovEx, where we focus on putting data to work for the public good, we know that data was used to dehumanize Black Americans during slavery and that descendants of enslaved people have often been victimized by the unethical collection and application of data. We are committed to addressing structural and entrenched racism, recognizing the public sector’s role in perpetuating these legacies, and addressing these issues as a team and in collaboration with the cities we serve. This means examining analytical methods and data, actively working to eliminate bias, and advocating for data-driven policies that uplift Black Americans. For a list of data-related Juneteenth resources, check out this compilation from the ICPSR at University of Michigan Institute for Social Research → https://hubs.ly/Q02CsjXJ0

As Black History Month closes, I have a lot on my mind about what I am doing (or not doing) as a leader to support Black talent and how our industry is using our platforms to help the Black Community thrive. A few things are top of mind. The first was inspired by messaging at this year's ADCOLOR: Recommit, Reaffirm, and Reignite. Of course, I believe our dedication to diversity and inclusion should be as activated and potent as ever, but I also think it needs to evolve. Representation and inclusion will continue to be the bedrock, but as our agencies become more diverse we have new areas to work on: advancement and mentorship, meaningful feedback and constructive performance management, and work that more explicitly reflects the diversity of our teams. The second is something that has stuck with me for awhile. Van Jones was the opening keynote speaker for Where Are All The Black People in 2020 and he challenged our industry in a way that moved me. He made the point that all the gains in civil rights were not lead by policy, rather that policy followed shifts in public opinion, opinions that were largely influenced by the arts - TV, Movies, Books, Music....but not necessarily advertising. Brands have big platforms, the stories we tell and the experiences we make have influence - what are we doing with that privilege, that obligation? Do we too easily give ourselves a pass because it is the client's call or because we are here just to sell stuff? I believe that it is imperative that we use the work we create to not just reflect society as it is, but to shape it as we dream it to be. The third is informed by an NPR interview I recently heard with 'American Fiction' writer-director, Cord Jefferson, who talked about the tendency for the mainstream to only celebrate stories of underrepresented groups' trauma. Those stories are important, but the singularity of them in the mainstream leaves us without the nuanced, dimensional view of these groups. Is our industry perpetrating this as well, are we using stories of trauma dressed as purpose work as award show bait? Perhaps the most poignant thing on my mind is feedback from a Black employee that warned of agencies being all empathy, little action. We all know better now, so we must DO better.