I’m a straight, white man asking myself questions like, “am I doing my best? Have I been part of overt racism? Why isn’t my company more diverse?” I’m also reflecting on what I am doing already e.g. existing efforts I make to help Black professionals and other underrepresented people in our industry. That said, I have always held myself and others accountable to do better. So, where I can be better in taking more action, showing more outrage, and using my own privilege to help more?
– Hustle Crew Member
Great question! I encourage you to consider your identity and every trait within it from your race to your gender to your level of education and even tenure within the industry (and so much more). Where do you have power and influence that others from Black and other underrepresented groups do not? Where does that power and influence create opportunities for you to build your personal brand and career capital, and how can you pass on these opportunities to Black and other underrepresented professionals who don’t share your privileges? That is a powerful way to drive lasting change, actively considering where you can relinquish privilege and power to someone from a Black or other underrepresented community, just as Reddit’s Alexis Ohanion did when he stepped down from the board urging his team to replace him with a Black man.