Happy Friday…
Today I wanted to write a post about professional development and neuroplasticity, but then a friend sent me an article in the early morning about a group of Black professionals in Queens,NY being hosed down by their white neighbor for having a party in their OWN backyard and the neighbor’s wife forcibly entered the black family’s home with her German Shepard.
The white neighbor said it wasn’t racially motivated. So then, what were you thinking? Why did you choose that approach? Why not talk to the neighbors?
“Hey, can you keep it down? It’s a bit loud.” Why couldn’t the Black neighbors get that courtesy conversation?
When I bring up race issues, people roll their eyes, deep sigh, or say, “Not again.”
Why is talking about racism so bothersome?
Why is this an eye-roll inducing topic?
Why is it so hard to say, “No, this is wrong,”?
This crime — because it is a crime — is reminiscent of the 1960’s civil rights movement where police hosed down and unleashed dogs on peaceful black protesters.
As much as I want to keep it “professional” on here, it is truly dehumanizing to expect people of color to remain unfazed by the horrors that we constantly encounter. But that has been the expectation that in spite of the pain and constant suffering — detach, prevail, and continue to function.
And discrimination is a professional issue because it’s happening to your employees and co-workers, it’s happening in your organization. These folks work for companies. This is wrong and cost you money.
And people matter, they are the cornerstone of business.
These were a group of affluent, Black professionals — doctors, lawyers (and regardless of social and professional status this assault is unacceptable). Many arguments for bias are justified by saying that “those people need to do better.” This instance shows that no matter how far up the American dream POCs make it — they are still subject to violence and a different set of rules.
It’s both exhausting and incredible that people can continue to thrive under these circumstances. I remember having a conversation with someone and explaining why a high percentage of Black people in America struggle economically. I listed all the post-slavery horrors from bulldozing prosperous Black communities to lynching, redlining, economic policies that block accessibility to loans, employees discrimination and so on.
Do you know what that person said?
They just need to keep trying.
Heavy topic like the heavy rain we’re experiencing in New York today and a critical conversation.
So many questions,
~Why do Black people need to keep trying?
~Why do they have to prove their humanity?
~Why can’t the system just become equitable?
~Why are we putting the onus on the victims?
#equity #professionalism #awareness
Recent Marketing Graduate at UMass Amherst
6moYay DeJanique George !! So lucky to have worked under her during my time with VC😊