Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are not Enough. We need Empathy!

During the height of our country’s civil unrest in 2020, we all witnessed corporations seeking ways to find solutions for the systemic racism that plagues our society. As an African American man who is a descendant of US slavery, and also an executive at a Fortune 500 company, I recognize that we are at a pivotal time in our country’s history. During this past year, I sat in countless meetings where corporations were seeking solutions for those tough questions regarding racial equity. Corporate leaders asked questions like, “How can we attract and retain a more diverse workforce? How can we develop a corporate culture in which black people succeed?”

The statistics are and have been glaring. Despite being 13% of the U.S. population, black Americans have consistently held only about 1% of the executive level positions of Fortune 500 companies since these statistics have been reported (starting in 1955). Without strong presence and representation at the executive levels in these corporations, it has proven to be very challenging to foster environments where blacks and other minorities can truly thrive.

So in answering these questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), I informed my colleagues of the need for programs and funding at the corporate level, and also the collegiate and K-12 levels. Additionally, I informed them of the need for something more crucial than programs, and that is the need for genuine relationships and empathy from our white colleagues and leaders. It is easy to bring in a speaker for an 8-hour diversity workshop, but true and lasting transformation comes only when we build relationships and develop empathy for one another.

Additionally, for equity to occur, our white counterparts must be willing to ask themselves some tough questions. Are you a true ally who stands with your black colleagues during challenging times? Do you mentor with intention and seek to help develop your minority mentees? Do you seek to build networks that are truly inclusive or just build with those with whom you are comfortable?