Photo courtesy of: Tech Insider
We usually don’t post two days in a row, but we’re willing to make an exception when something so in keeping with advancing diversity and inclusion in corporate America occurs. Especially when large companies do exactly what we’re asking – sometimes begging – them to do.
Yesterday, Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, sent an internal memo explaining to his mostly white, male staff that no voices will be silenced at his corporation, even those that support #blacklivesmatter.
For all of you who want to be an ally and don’t know how, follow Mark Zuckerberg’s lead – take your voice, combine it with your privilege, and use them to give power and credibility to the voiceless, to those who have been silenced for so long in our society. It’s really this simple and goes such a long way.
You don’t even have to agree with the #blacklivesmatter movement to understand that in America, all points of view and perspectives should be heard and valued. No one should be silenced and pushed to the background for highlighting what is, for many of us, a necessary statement and reaffirmation in a country where we feel our lives are devalued and don’t matter.
You see, the reason Uncolorblind exists is because America lacks the cultural understanding necessary to make sure all citizens live fruitful and productive lives. We’ve committed to showing that even the most prestigious circles and professions remain void of true diversity and inclusion. The barriers to success that exist for minorities are real. They are crippling. And they are sustaining and reinforcing the very racial biases, stereotypes and divides that created this country. Inherent in this is a privilege that mainstream America carries with it – the unearned privilege that allows you to see examples of yourself in media, feel affirmed in your self-worth and have your culture set the tone for what’s “normal” in society. It’s this privilege that hinders people’s ability to see, live and embrace diversity.
This is why Mark Zuckerberg’s internal memo is so moving, so powerful and worthy of kudos from this diversity duo. If we are ever going to overcome the stereotypes and biases or attain true inclusion, it’s going to take CEOs and allies with “juice” to carry the water and insist that our stories, our voices, and our experiences are worthy of inclusion in mainstream discourse.
So shout out to you, Mark Zuckerberg. We appreciate your leadership, your perspective on free speech, and your acknowledgement that championing the lives and struggle of one ethnic group does not make the lives of other groups any less valuable.
Because of you, the battle towards an uncolorblind Corporate America lives to fight another day.
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