February is over, and with it, so is Black History Month. The significance and meaning of Black History Month shouldn’t be limited to one month a year – the shortest month of the year at that. What can you do to turn this one month into creating a full year of equity for all?
Go deeper than simple awareness.
Why do we celebrate Black History Month? The most commonly cited reason is to honor and celebrate the contributions that blacks have made to the creation and growth of the United States. Awareness of these contributions is important, and it is not enough. Awareness is only a start. Open-hearted connection, empathy, and action are each required to truly lead compassionately. Let this celebration be the start of an ongoing, year-round practice to understand the black experience in America, truly begin to feel it, and to act decisively to improve it.
Examine yourself with unflinching clarity.
Black History Month is not only a beautiful observance of the significant achievements of people of color. It is also a powerful reminder of the brutal conditions to which people of color have been and are subjected to in the United States. What role have you played in creating or perpetuating this suffering and discrimination? It is easy for well-intentioned members of the dominant culture to see themselves as removed from historic atrocities. One does not have to participate directly in violence or discrimination to be a participant, however.
The truth of our evolutionary biology is that we all have built in preference for people like us. The result of this legacy is that we need to acknowledge and name our biases so that we can overcome our instinctual responses with more equitable action. Before we can confront and surmount the challenges in the world, we must first do the same within ourselves.
Listen to others.
To expand your understanding beyond yourself, listen with humility to people who have lived experience with racism. There is so much we can never know from the sidelines. Listen deeply and wholeheartedly to learn as much as you can.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable by saying, “I want to be an ally, but need help.” Some people will help you, and please respect those who say, “No, thank you.” The problem of systemic racism in the United States has been created by the dominant culture, and it is that group’s responsibility to fix it. So, if someone takes a pass on your request for help, honor that.
Take action within your organization.
The distinguishing element of compassion is action. In that regard, Black History Month needs to become an important impetus to drive action.
Racism shows up in countless ways, some clearly intended, and others from a place of lack of awareness and understanding. Compassionate leaders must cultivate cultures of safety, connection and belonging for everyone. Take stock of where and how your culture, policies, and practices can benefit from a dedicated intention to be truly equitable and inclusive. Chart the course that fits your specific circumstances and then act!
We all have a part to play in the solution. Open your heart and mind, identify resources and commit to changing the status quo. With courage and wisdom, we can all work to build a more compassionate, unified, just, loving world where every person feels valued.