D&I Lesson Learned: Good Intentions

D&I LESSON LEARNED: Good Intentions, Poor Execution

A Black History Month program featuring all-white performers?? Yes, you read that correctly! 

Well not exactly. A small college in Ohio found itself having to issue an apology after a major miss with its month-long Black History Month celebration that pictured only white performers. Despite the inclusion of amazingly talented Black performers and composers, the school’s social media posts only featured white performers. 

The institution has since apologized and issued a formal statement, but an apology won’t erase this D&I blunder.

Organizations can avoid similar D&I failures with these 3 steps:

Nothing For Us, Without Us Showcasing Black composers during a Black History Month program isn’t enough. Black people must be included in the planning and execution of programs intended to acknowledge, celebrate, and amplify our talents.

Do Your Homework If you’re hosting an event focused on race, do your research. If you’re still unsure, hire an expert D&I firm, such as Diverse & Engaged. D&I professionals provide the strategy to develop and execute D&I events to ensure your organization doesn’t experience a D&I fail.

Stop Performative D&I Performative D&I is a facade, lacking an organization’s commitment to substantial D&I efforts. Ensure your organization doesn't acknowledge Black History Month or Juneteenth as an annual social practice while failing to identify the root causes of its own D&I failures.

Leaders, do more! Get engaged in your organization’s D&I strategies! Active participation from a committed leadership team leads to D&I success.

To avoid D&I fails, or learn how diversity and inclusion to effectively execute your strategy, reach out.