Nov 8, 2022 2 min read

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility

Bringing your whole self to work and school is now an expectation for some individuals. But I remember having conversations about doing the exact opposite.

As a black American boy I grew up understanding that some people would target me because of my skin color. It was a simple as that. And because of this truth I was taught that I needed to make myself less of a target. This included the very act of NOT bringing my whole self to school, work and various other gatherings.

This approach to life was a defense mechanism. It has helped me to navigate different cultures and situations. I was a chameleon of sorts.

Now that we are encouraged to unapologetically bring our whole self to school and work I find this very difficult. Doing so would be lowering my protection and thus becoming more vulnerable in different circles of life.

I'll be honest, I'm not there fully but I'm working on it. And I'm trying to increase my own understanding of this topic to help others.

Recently we had a foundations training at work to begin these discussions of inclusion. It was a 2 hour training that went by very fast! I enjoyed it very much.

Here are my personal takeaway notes and action items

1. Equity <> Equality

Equity is giving every person in the world the same type and size of a bicycle. Equality is making sure every person has the appropriate bicycle. We all are different so it is silly to think everything must be same.

2. The inclusion leader continuum

Unaware -> Aware -> Active -> Advocate

This applies generally to individuals for the topic of inclusion but can also be applied to specific aspects of inclusion as well.

3. Being unaware is a stage of privilege

I'm not fully verse on everything inclusion, I am unaware in some aspects. Therefore I must recognize my state of privilege.

For example, influence is power and one can use share that power by bringing new voices to a discussion.

5. If we want diversity in our lives we HAVE to be intentional about it

Naturally we can gravitate and attract what is familiar to ourselves. Taking an intention step outside the comfort zone allows for one to grow in diversity.

6. The point is not to be perfect in the hard conversations. The point is to have them.

These topics are sensitive by nature for a number of reasons but we can let the fear of engaging in these conversations hold us back from understanding others better.

My actions

Start intentional conversations about specific inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility topics in my own circles
Attend a cultural event, hopefully meet different people
Ask granny about her thoughts on these topics and share what I've been learning
Start using pronouns and giving a visual description of myself on virtual calls