PODCAST EPISODE № 96

Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences

by Anita Charlot

Click the ICON below to listen to Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences:

As a Black female conscious leadership consultant, I’ve long been aware of the complex tapestry that weaves together Black employees’ experiences, feelings, and history in American workplaces.

This week, on July 4th, the United States celebrates its Independence Day—a day marked with festivities, parades, and fireworks, celebrating the country’s hard-fought freedom from colonial rule.

However, within this celebration, we must also acknowledge the nuanced experiences of our Black employees. For many African Americans, this day carries a different weight, one that is often left unacknowledged in the workplace, where so many hours of their lives are spent.

Join me inside the episode as I share what this day means to us.

See you inside…

What You Learn:

How to acknowledge the nuanced experiences of our Black employees on July 4th
A few ways that organizations can honor the feelings of their Black employees
That recognizing the experiences of Black employees is about more than just empathy
How to commit to fostering an environment where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued

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Anita Charlot, the Corporate Metaphysician™, consults and advises businesses and organizations in exploring the deeper philosophical questions related to their purpose, values, and impact on society.
She helps leaders at socially conscious organizations develop a more holistic understanding of their place in the world by using real-world, metaphysical, and philosophical principles to guide decision-making processes that help businesses align their actions with stated values related to matters specific to their Black and Brown employees.
She is also hired by Powerful Women of Color looking to heal from corporate trauma, and thrive professionally, no matter what type of work environment they are in.

For speaking opportunities, go to Request Coach Anita
For all coaching, media, or consulting inquiries, visit https://calendly.com/coachanitacharlot to schedule a quick call.
For Black and Brown women looking to heal from corporate trauma, go to https://anitacharlot.com/healing

**New Book Alert** Coming later this year, “Doing DEI the Right Way…Not the White Way!”

Episode Transcript

As a Black female conscious leadership consultant, I’ve long been aware of the complex tapestry that weaves together Black employees’ experiences, feelings, and history in American workplaces.

This week, on July 4th, the United States celebrates its Independence Day—a day marked with festivities, parades, and fireworks, celebrating the country’s hard-fought freedom from colonial rule.

However, within this celebration, we must also acknowledge the nuanced experiences of our Black employees. For many African Americans, this day carries a different weight, one that is often left unacknowledged in the workplace, where so many hours of their lives are spent.

Join me inside the episode as I share what this day means to us.

See you inside…

~~~~~~~

The history of Black people in America is a rich and complex narrative intricately woven into this country’s fabric. Our contributions span across every aspect of American life and have played a vital role in shaping the nation.

And yet…

There’s a paradox that Black people are all too familiar with. While America declared independence in 1776, most of our Black ancestors were enslaved and stripped of our fundamental human rights. Independence Day did not equate to our freedom; our Emancipation Day came almost a century later, on June 19th, 1865, now recognized as Juneteenth.

Understanding this dichotomy is crucial to fostering a truly inclusive and empathetic work environment, especially on days of national importance like the Fourth of July.

Here are a few ways that organizations can honor the feelings of their Black employees:

1. Recognition and Open Dialogue: 
Start by acknowledging this history and its impact. Create safe spaces where employees can share their feelings and perspectives about Independence Day. Encourage open dialogues that invite everyone to learn and understand the different experiences tied to this day.

2. Celebrate Juneteenth: 
Recognize Juneteenth as an official company holiday. This action demonstrates that you value your Black employees’ unique history and experience. Celebrate it with educational events or community outreach that can enlighten your workforce about this part of American history.

3. Inclusive Celebrations: 
If your organization traditionally celebrates the Fourth of July, please ensure that it’s done in a manner that reflects the experiences of all employees. This can include sharing a broad range of historical perspectives or focusing on the shared values that unite us as a nation, such as freedom, equality, and justice.

4. Continue Education and Awareness: 
Independence Day should not be the only time we discuss and appreciate the complexities of American history and the role of Black people in it. Commit to ongoing cultural sensitivity training and diversity education to ensure a deeper understanding and respect among all employees.

Recognizing the importance of Black employees’ feelings and experiences surrounding Independence Day is not about creating divisions but fostering understanding and unity. It’s about acknowledging the past to create a better future.

To be clear, this conversation about understanding and acknowledging the experiences of Black employees is not about creating a larger divide but bridging the gap that unconscious bias and ignorance often create.

The role you play as a leader in this is of immense importance. Recognizing the experiences of Black employees is about more than just empathy; it’s about recognizing and challenging your own unconscious biases that may unknowingly contribute to the problems Black people face in the workplace.

It is about understanding how your actions, even unintentional, may perpetuate harmful narratives and cause emotional trauma.

A conscious examination of your own biases isn’t an indictment or an attack on your character but rather a crucial step in the journey toward true understanding and mutual respect. It’s an opportunity to grow, learn, and develop more conscious, inclusive behaviors and attitudes. It’s about dismantling the invisible barriers that hinder genuine equality and inclusivity.

And remember, learning and growing is a continuous process. It requires patience, openness, and a willingness to listen and learn from the experiences of others. It may sometimes be uncomfortable, but that discomfort often signals growth and learning. This is why it is important to work with a Black coach or advisory board member to help explain things you may not understand and who has accepted the role vs. expecting your Black friends or employees to do this for you.

As we continue to strive toward a more inclusive workplace and a more equitable world, let’s remember the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning.

We all have a role to play in this journey. The challenge we face is significant, but together, by consciously choosing to challenge our biases and to understand the experiences of others better, we can make meaningful strides.

So, on this Independence Day, let’s embrace the opportunity for growth and change. Let’s commit to fostering an environment where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued.

After all, the true spirit of independence lies in the freedom to be ourselves, to be understood, and to be treated with dignity and respect—regardless of the color of our skin.

Are you seeking a safe space to identify and unpack your unconscious bias?

I’m here for you; reach out to me today to discuss how I can partner with you on your journey to conscious leadership.

See you in the next episode…

~~~~~~~

Anita Charlot consults, trains, and advises executives in socially conscious businesses and organizations in exploring the deeper philosophical questions related to their purpose, values, and positive impact on society.

She helps leaders at socially conscious organizations develop a more holistic understanding of their place in the world by using real-world, metaphysical, and philosophical principles to guide decision-making processes that help businesses align their actions with stated values related to matters specific to their Black and Brown employees.

She is also hired by Powerful Women of Color looking to heal from corporate trauma, and thrive professionally, no matter what type of work environment they are in.

For executives + aspiring conscious leaders–> www.calendly.com/coachanitacharlot
For Black and Brown women looking to heal from corporate trauma–> https://anitacharlot.com/contact

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Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences

PODCAST EPISODE № 96

Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences

by Anita Charlot

Click the ICON below to listen to Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences:

What You Learn:

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Episode Transcript

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PODCAST EPISODE № 96

Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences

by Anita Charlot

Click the ICON below to listen to Recognizing and Addressing the Intersectionality of Independence Day and Black Employees’ Experiences:

What You Learn:

Featured on the Show:

Episode Transcript

Enjoy the Show?

IF YOU LIKE IT, SHARE IT

Get the free video training..."Can He Handle Your Grind?"

podcast

stay in touch

Get the free video training...
"Can He Handle Your Grind?"