Black Lives Matter: where I stand on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
In June 2020, I attended a workshop with Trudi Lebron about race and how white coaches and business owners can do better.
One of Trudy's points that I can't stop thinking about is this:
Your colleagues, customers, and community shouldn't have to guess where you stand on issues of social justice.
They shouldn't have to guess at your values.
They should unequivocally know.
Reflecting back on my emails, social media posts, and JV webinar collaborations, I can see that I have not been unequivocal.
That's not acceptable.
I screwed up.
I'm sorry.
Moving forward, I want to be clear:
I stand against racist violence and the systematic injustices that Black communities and people of color face in the US and across the globe.
I stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
I also know that one statement isn't enough. This is ongoing, life-long work.
So, I'm listening and learning, starting with these resources:
Anti-Racism for Beginners, a resource guide now under the management of Tiffany Bowden
Books I’m reading:
White Fragility: Why it's so Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad
Educators I’m learning from:
@rachrodgersesq and her fantastic Small Business Town Hall
Where I've donated:
As a business owner, here's what me and my small team are discussing as part of our long-term, ongoing operations:
Doing joint venture webinars with Black business owners
Seeking out collaborations where Black and Brown business owners are featured as experts in their fields
Declining collaborations where Black people are only in the room to talk about racism. Or worse, not in the room at all
Hiring BIPOC experts for our future business needs (copywriters, graphic designers, attorneys, etc.)
Working with a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion expert (DEI expert) as our business grows
Ongoing donations to organizations we believe in
In the coming weeks, months, and years, I know I'll get it wrong.
I'm going to show up anyway.
I hope you will, too.
If there are resources or insights you'd like to share, or anything you'd like to see from me and my business moving forward, email me at hello@camillefarey.com let's have a conversation.
I'm listening.
x Cami