“Why We Can’t [and Shouldn’t]Wait”

I have thought about race in America on and off since relocating here in 1995 and decided to minor in African America studies while an undergrad at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Recently, I was selected to co-lead the Race & Ethnicity Pillar for the Diversity and Inclusion initiative in the Americas at my company and once again race is at the forefront of my mind.

The purpose of the Race & Ethnicity Pillar at my company is to:

Intentionally foster equality in recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse workforce by creating educational opportunities, raising awareness, and advocacy outreach in the Americas.

Subconsciously I believe that all people irrespective of class, creed or race should be treated equitably.  Nevertheless, it weighs on my mind that there may be subtle hints of institutionalised “racism” or unconscious prejudice occurring when I see

• People of colour and women underrepresented in the technology field
• People of colour and women underrepresented in executive positions in many companies.

Throughout most of my 18-year career in technology, I’ve been one of or the only person of colour in the majority of my client meetings.

After a while, one starts to ask “Are we not good enough?” to be considered for these positions?

Racial and Ethnic equality is a journey and not a sprint, and I hope to leave a legacy for my kids so they can operate in a space where they:

“will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content their character.”

We the people can’t and shouldn’t wait for gender and racial equity, but demand it now from our peers and our leaders!

*Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/martin_luther_king_jr_115056