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Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?
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By Carlene Campbell, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, and Member of the USRA Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
A meaningful policy of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) benefits everyone. There are no winners and losers. It is helpful in this context to consider the African philosophy of “ubuntu” — a concept in which your sense of self is shaped by your relationships with other people. It’s a way of living that begins with the premise that “I am” only because “we are.” In relationship to our situation at USRA, our success is predicated on treating all current and potential future employees in a manner that reflects a positive effort to shape decisions around a policy of equity and inclusiveness.
I am a Black woman who was born in Jamaica but also shaped by the experiences of over 30 years of living in England and the USA. The history and the legacy of Black people in the USA have never failed to inform my views of the challenges faced by minorities in the USA. Yet I never forget about the numerous examples of the contributions that each group within our society has made to the success of the businesses and corporations that have built our great country. Unfortunately, even with the success stories, there are too many people like me who have been overlooked or deliberately denied the chance to make our best contribution. Progress has undoubtedly occurred with addressing these issues through legislations. However, legislations have well documented failings. Progress continues to be made with an increasing level of societal awareness about some of the substantial remaining challenges. And it is with the remaining challenges that organizations such as USRA can help by channeling some efforts and resources into educating the staff about the value and the importance of DEI. I must also note that I am writing this during Black History Month – and I certainly do not need any commemoration to be reminded of the origins of the history of Black People in the USA. To those who need the reminder of Black History Month, please allow yourself to recognize the sacrifices of those whose freedom was stolen, the struggles of those who fought to bring equity to all, and know that the best way for each of us to become the best that we can be, is to give everyone the chance to rise to their full potential.
I recall vividly my January 2015 interview with Jeff Isaacson for the position of Executive Assistant to the President and Chief Executive Officer. Among other things, he said “I want USRA to reflect America,” and so he talked passionately how one of his main goals is to bring the organization in line with the face of America to demonstrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the end of my interview, I came away with heightened desire to work for USRA. Hearing from the head of an organization about how much DEI plays an integral part of shaping the organization, I just wanted to be part of that shaping. With all the things that have transpired since 2015, it feels like we are light years away from that interview but a reflection on some of the issues related to equity and diversity in the wider society shows that the focus on DEI at USRA is more important than ever.
DEI is a way to foster an inclusive work environment to promote openness, acceptance, and empathy where all staff members are valued, respected, and supported. Embracing DEI in all its many forms is essential for creating a nurturing community – one where we all feel valued. To feel valued is to be inspired to be your best. Employees working at their best will benefit the organization in all the ways through which it seeks to satisfy its mission.
While all the pillars of DEI are demonstrated at USRA, the same cannot be said for the other segments of society. Thankfully, that awareness is coming to the fore. We are now seeing some renewed efforts being pushed for DEI in the process of employment across many sectors of the workforce. And with success in the workplace some positive changes will come to how some minorities are treated outside of work. I can never forget my experience when someone came to my front door and her instinct and prejudice led her to assume that I was the helper – she could not fathom that a Black woman would be living in my neighborhood, more so being the owner of that home. Yes, I had to be the helper because I am Black. Going even further, on your loan application, you are noted as white, because putting your true racial identity would hinder your application from been approved. Yes, on our loan application, my Black husband and I were noted as white because that is the only way our application would be accepted and get approved. And so, relating my own personal experiences in situations that lacked the true tenets of equity hopefully will serve as a practical way to illustrate to others how dehumanizing these experiences can become.
Outside of my own experiences, there are many stories of incidents of racial profiling and atrocities inflicted on non-whites, which are stark reminders that we are still struggling to acknowledge the importance of DEI. I know that there are many stories like mine, they have made their rounds in the public space too often lately and have touched many souls that propelled actions globally. But one could wonder if it’s just a knee-jerk reaction or if there is a deep sincerity in wanting to correct the inflicted wrongs on humanity? To those of us who are negotiating the effects on inequity and making accommodations way too often to survive, we can only hope for the chance to show how much better off we would all be with DEI in our workspaces.
We are all the same regardless of perceived biases and beliefs. Broadly, no one can be healthy when the community is sick – our challenge with the pandemic reminds us of such. I am human only because you are human. If I undermine your humanity, then I will de-humanize myself. If we would step back and reflect on the old African adage – “I am because we are” and use it as a guide to how we live, then the world would be a much better place for all to co-exist.
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