Honor Black History Month By Getting Uncomfortable

Written by Shannen Bornsen

In February, we celebrate Black History Month.  As I was planning out what lead story we could do for the WISE newsletter, I was struggling with what to put out that felt meaningful and relevant.  The celebration has deep meaning and there’s so much opportunity to explore the people who’ve made history, art, and culture of the Black community.  Nothing I was coming up with was feeling “right”.  I wasn’t finding a story hook that felt personal and respectful enough.  Then, the thought occurred to me to write about Black employee resource groups and their importance in the workplace.  And, I got scared.

It's uncomfortable for me to write that I got scared.  It was uncomfortable for me to realize that’s what I was feeling.  I joined WISE because I believe wholeheartedly in helping to create spaces where everyone feels recognized, supported and valued.  And, I’d like to believe that I’m continuing every day to learn what that means.  So why would writing about something I believe in and support scare me?   I was scared to write about a Black ERG because I am not a Black woman.  Is it ok for me to call attention to this community, to align myself in someway to it, when I don’t identify with it physically, genetically, historically?

A few months ago, I had reached out to a colleague and work friend about the Ebony Council.  I talked to her about what it means to be an ally for the group, and asked some pretty frank questions about being welcome to participate.  The short and quick answer I got from her was “Everyone is welcome.”  I started following the group through our internal network.  I sign up for webinars and speaking engagements when I can. I volunteered to judge a local youth talent show.  Even with some context, writing about the strength of and necessity for a Black ERG made me anxious.  I needed assurance it was ok to ask some questions and to write an article.  Today, when I expressed my anxiety about content for an article, my friend didn’t hesitate.  She told me to throw my questions out on the group’s Yammer site and ask the members for advice.  So, I did.

One of the questions I asked was “what would you say to someone who is scared or hesitant to step forward and join your group when they don’t identify as a member of the community?”  Someone responded within minutes to that question.  “What are they afraid of?”  I personally am afraid of asking the wrong question, saying something ignorant or being labeled as inauthentic.  But, what this person continued with made me pause.  “People can be allies for “our” cause by understanding that the cause is equity and disrupting anything that oppresses or challenges equity.  Most people, regardless of color, want what’s right and will do right.  The message is helping to do what’s right by all, not some, at every opportunity you have.”  Supporting equity.  Doing what’s right at every opportunity you have.  Makes it sound much less complex.

So here I am, doing what I think is right.  I’m encouraging you to get uncomfortable in your own DEI journey.  I’m asking you to not be afraid to ask questions about how you can help and be involved.  To honor Black History Month, discover what your company’s Black ERG offers and register for an event.  If your company doesn’t offer one, there are other ways to learn.  As best suggested by the helpful Ebony Council member, “Educate yourself on why there are inequities and how you feel about them.  Read a book, visit a museum, view a documentary.  Do something that honors/celebrates Black culture.  Become aware of the history so you can better understand the struggles and become less afraid.”