Black History Month 2020: Determination, Hope, and “Concrete Ceilings”
Reggie Nelson
What does Black History Month mean in 2020? We asked Black professionals at Slalom for their thoughts on the current state of the corporate world, how to be an ally in the workplace, and this year’s BHM theme, “African Americans and the Vote.”
What Black History Month means now
Cyrell Williams, Consultant Manager, San Francisco
“My view on Black History Month has remained consistent throughout the years. I have always viewed it as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Black people. What has changed is how I do that. Now I take the opportunity to turn the spotlight on Black people at work so others can learn about who we are, what we have done, and what we can do.”
Basil Udoudoh, Practice Area Lead, Atlanta
“Growing up in a city with a rich history like Atlanta, I always thought of Black History as just history. We grew up learning about stalwarts like Martin Luther King and John Lewis, as well as other important historical figures in the city like John Wesley Dobbs and Alonzo Herndon. As I have grown, my perspective on history has changed somewhat. Seeing examples of Black people breaking barriers throughout our society, like the first Black president, has taught me that Black history is made every single day. History isn’t just something we read about in books or name our streets after. History is something we can all witness. History is something we can all make.”
Ingrid Myers, Senior Manager, Talent Management, Dallas
“The practice of celebrating Black contributions to America is something that was and still is needed. National recognition at this time highlights the martyrs, inventors, creators, suffragists, leaders, and so many others who have demonstrated what is possible. Then you realize these Black heroes and heroines were ordinary people who cared for others more than themselves, stood up despite their fear, and took bold courageous actions. It is us, all the ordinary people, that is the real greatness. Black history is every day in the making.”
The power of the vote
Basil Udoudoh
“One of the proudest moments of my Mom and Dad’s time here was the moment that they became citizens. This was because, above all else, they had the power of the vote. They understood, like many people who fought for suffrage understood before them, that the power to vote was the power to influence the conditions around them. After they became citizens, there wasn’t an election day that passed that they did not vote in. They passed this wisdom onto all of their children. To this day, my Mom calls me every election day to make sure I voted. It’s a right that many people fought and died for. It’s a right my parents waited years for. It’s a right that we all should never forget the power of and always remember to exercise, even if your parents don’t call you to remind you!”
Cyrell Williams
“I think this is so important because America has a long and successful history of suppressing Black votes. This is particularly true in the south where literacy tests and poll taxes were ways to suppress votes in the past. And now it is voter ID laws, reduced polling places and polling hours. If our voice is suppressed, we will continue to face the injustices in this country that we have since the first Africans were shipped here to be treated like chattel.”
Ingrid Myers
“We’re all deeply affected by our legal and legislative systems and of the 243 years that we have been the United States of America, Blacks have had the right to vote for less than a quarter of that time. Selfless men and women have paved the way for what we have and experience today. The human struggle for all of us to be equal is not a point in time, it is all the time. The act of voting signifies that we’re opting-in and taking an active part in creating a country, a world that we want. With the power of each vote, both locally and nationally, we are architecting our future.”
Valarie Gilbert, Managing Director, New York City
“I’ve often reminded myself that I wasn’t born with the guaranteed right to vote. (Yes, born before 1965!) I think, given the importance of this year’s election, it’s so important that Black Americans remember that our right to vote only came 55 years ago. It’s phenomenal to remember. History is the important part of “Black History Month.” It’s also important that we pay attention to how times have changed, and how rights didn’t come so easy. And should not be taken for granted. People laid their lives on the line for this privilege.
“Given the election, [the theme] is a call to action about the power of the vote. That it was fought for, and now there’s an expectation that we use it. I think our activities and educational activities should remind all Americans about how the Black vote didn’t come easy. If we look at the 2018 elections, black women voters not only won seats, but were the difference at the polls.”
Reggie Nelson, Solution Principal, Hartford
“As an African American, just knowing the struggles my ancestors endured to gain the right to vote, it is important to me that I exercise my civic duty in ALL elections, both national and local. As a community, I think it is critical that we stay engaged in the political environment and vote for those who have our best interest in mind. Every vote that is submitted, is progress towards change that will make a positive impact on our families and communities.”
The state of the corporate world for Black professionals
Basil Udoudoh
“The corporate culture that we all work in has changed dramatically in the last 25 years. Inclusion and Diversity has become a high level concern for most large companies, even going as far as having C-level Diversity and Inclusion officers at many of these companies.”
Cyrell Williams
“[Things are] different but the same. Black people have historically faced discrimination in this country and still do. However, in the past it was more overt. Now it manifests itself as aversive racism. An example of what that looks like is the study out of the University of Chicago that showed that White-sounding names on resumes received 50% more call backs than Black-sounding names. Or a 2017 study out of Harvard that showed that hiring discrimination against Black people has not declined in 25 years. I think that organizations are doing a better job of trying to address it, but the danger is that people actually feel that they are having an impact, versus being honest that there is a still a real problem that needs to be addressed.”
Ingrid Myers
“The climate for Black professionals today is stagnant. Blacks often remain invisible for promotional opportunities in the upper levels of the organization. If women have a glass ceiling, then Blacks have a concrete ceiling. We need willing mentors and sponsors, which are both deemed critical for moving beyond middle management. Blacks are more educated and experienced than ever, yet are still standing in place — which really means we’re moving backwards. Despite high ambitions and professional goals, I believe there is a sense of unspoken disillusionment among Blacks and their career opportunities in the corporate world. This may result in a departure from the workforce, while increasing independent business ownership.”
Valarie Gilbert
“I would say that my opportunities are better, but not just because of the times, it’s because of my awareness. I don’t necessarily expect others to view me as competent as much as I view myself that way. Our expectations create a posture and a demand. I have expectations of my environment and career, that I didn’t always have. I expect equitable treatment more than I did before, though I know it’s not a guarantee.”
Life at Slalom — today and tomorrow
Basil Udoudoh
“At Slalom, I’ve always had leadership that was invested in me professionally and personally. As a result of this investment, I’ve been able to grow professionally in ways that I couldn’t have imagined eight years ago. My time at Slalom has been invaluable, and I owe it to the leadership and mentorship I’ve received.”
Cyrell Williams
“Slalom is a place that aspires to do the right things and make an inclusive environment for everyone. There are a lot of people here that truly believe and want to do that. However, I feel that people have a lot to learn. With that, I feel that this is a place where I can be open about my experiences as a Black man in a way that I have not before. I was at a meeting with our CEO, Brad Jackson, last December and I felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable about my experience as a Black man, not only at Slalom but in corporate America. This enables me to be my authentic self, not have to code switch, and reduce the emotional labor I need to exert to be ‘corporate me.’”
Ingrid Myers
“I’m encouraged by our leaders’ genuine curiosity. Diversity and inclusion challenges are not resolved by a broad brushstroke. What affects one group isn’t always the same thing that affects another group and I believe we’re at the beginning of this understanding at Slalom and embarking on the hard work of building a platform to change our organization and our communities. Our entire company will be engaged and mobilized to create meaningful and lasting change.”
Valarie Gilbert
“I’ve never worked at a place where ‘Be your authentic self’ was a mantra. As a black woman, that means a lot. It means I don’t have to wear my hair a certain way or pretend to have the same hobbies or habits as anyone else. I can be myself, work hard, and that can be enough. I know it doesn’t mean perfection, but it does say something wonderful about Slalom’s intent!”
How to be an ally in the workplace
Basil Udoudoh
“Become an ally to a diversity and inclusion group. Attend their meetings and events. Listen. Contribute your ideas and perspective as well. It will give you a much deeper understanding of their perspective and will broaden your horizons.”
Cyrell Williams
“Be curious. Don’t assume you understand people. Listen. Ask questions. Don’t assume that you are already inclusive. Assume you have a lot to learn. Come from a place of wanting to truly understand.”
Ingrid Myers
“Inclusion is about a sense of belonging, being respected, and valued as an individual for your contributions and perspective.”
Advice for young Black professionals newly entering the corporate world
Cyrell Williams
“Share your experiences with people who have little to no exposure to Black people. I find that when I tell people when I go out late at night I’m afraid of the police, they seem shocked. When I tell stories about being stopped by the police and staring down the barrel of a gun, they seem more shocked but understand why I’m afraid of the police. I think this helps them understand that the issues we face are real, and happen to their friends and colleagues even if they don’t share it. I would also say, connect with other Black folks at work too, because it is great to share our experiences and talk about the things that we know and understand.”
Reggie Nelson
“Take time to develop strong relationships with people you can trust and who can provide real-time, actionable feedback. Through these relationships, identify a mentor, coach, or sponsor who can share relatable experiences. Find someone who can be your advocate, someone who is able to guide, challenge, influence, and provide opportunities for growth. Navigating the professional world is a journey that should not be done alone.”
Valarie Gilbert
“Focus on excellence and expect others to recognize your competence. I think we need to exude the expectation of equity and inclusion. A leader once told me to pull up to the table and expect to be part of the conversation. Never shy away from participation. When you go into a meeting, go in with outcomes in mind. And don’t let the meeting end with questions in mind. Leave the meeting knowing your outcomes and goals can be achieved. And if/when you find a leader who supports you and recognizes your skills, hold on to that for as long as you can. It may only come around a few times in your career. Your word is everything. It’s how you build trust and establish relationships.”
Find out more on Slalom.com about REACH, Slalom’s Black affinity group.
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