Relocating to the west from Nigeria exposed me to working on several projects in my position as a Human Resource Professional, including some about anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion. In the process of managing them, I had to ask myself if I considered myself anti-racist, knowing fully well that I have my own biases too. However, drawing from my experiences working on multiple continents, I am humbled to share practical tips on how I have managed to be anti-racist.
Today, being non-racist is no longer sufficient; we must proactively work toward being anti-racist, as Angela Davis (an American political activist, scholar, and author known for her work in the civil rights movement, prison abolition, and the fight against systemic racism) Emphasized. Racism affects us all and permeates our daily lives. Living and working in a multicultural society exposes us to individuals from diverse racial backgrounds, making it crucial to build meaningful relationships with them.
To contribute to the fight against racism and foster a more inclusive and equitable society, consider the following approaches:
First and foremost, engage in intentional learning and avoid assuming you fully understand the experiences of marginalized communities. Practice active listening, seeking to comprehend rather than to simply respond. Affirm and validate their narratives while respecting their unique perspectives. Engage in conversations challenging your worldview and exchanging stories and viewpoints with peers, friends, and colleagues. This exposure to diverse lived experiences can broaden your understanding of racial issues.
Second, challenge your biases and be cautious about making judgments based on preconceived notions or stereotypes about individuals or their race. Utilize educational resources that provide nuanced analyses from racial or ethnic perspectives. Attend workshops, events, and conferences that address race-related issues, deepening your understanding of historical and contemporary racial disparities.
Third, embrace accountability and engage in respectful conversations with friends and family when they make problematic comments. For example, imagine you’re at a family gathering, and an uncle makes a stereotypical comment about a racial group. Instead of ignoring it or laughing it off, you decide to address it in a calm and respectful way. You might say something like, “Uncle, I know you didn’t mean any harm, but comments like that can actually reinforce hurtful stereotypes. It’s important to remember that everyone deserves to be seen as individuals, not generalized based on their race.” This approach holds your uncle accountable for his words, but it also opens the door for a meaningful conversation without shaming him. By keeping it respectful, you’re more likely to engage him in a way that encourages understanding and growth. This kind of dialogue can often lead to greater awareness within your family, as it helps them see the impact of their words.
Fourth, support marginalised people and recognize the lack of representation and support they face. Promote their work and acknowledge their contributions. Engage with organizations actively working within communities to uplift those disproportionately affected by racism.
In conclusion, it is crucial to avoid perpetuating harmful biases through stereotypical comments or assumptions about someone’s race or ethnicity. By practicing accountability, expanding your knowledge, approaching learning with humility, and supporting people of color, you can actively contribute to dismantling racism and creating a more inclusive society.
