Are leaders finally willing to fight racism or is it just more talk?

The wave of protests across the US and Canada, which have gained support from people of all creeds and colours around the globe, have made it clear that the police brutality disproportionately impacting Black, Indigenous Americans and Canadians is out of hand. Businesses have also demonstrated their support by distancing themselves from such systemic abuse and violence by way of statements and pledges.

However, this racialized violence is not isolated to the streets and disturbing videos of “police brutality” — it’s happening within the walls of our businesses. This “corporate brutality” may be more systemic and covert in nature but the end results are similar: people are injured, abused, damaged, and/or destroyed.

To adequately respond to the current uprisings, leaders of all stripes must reckon with the Black experience outside and inside the workplace. It does not end once people clock out — it follows them through every moment of every day and can be thoroughly degrading and disheartening.

The current moment has the potential to be pivotal in addressing the disparity between words and actions at all levels of leadership — corporate or otherwise. Will those in positions of power and privilege finally have the wherewithal to identify the harm being done to the Black community and people of colour? If the answer is yes, what are they willing to do to remedy the harm and hold themselves accountable? Only time will tell. However, educating ourselves about the pernicious, all-encompassing nature of racism and how each of us can create positive change is a good place to start.