How to Authentically Communicate in the Age of Black Lives Matter

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Violet PR explored the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace – with an added focus on predominantly white male-led industries during a recent webinar featuring creative director and diversity expert, Shena Patel.

The program also highlighted recent workplace challenges faced by the black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community and identified best organizational practices for achieving an authentically diverse and inclusive culture.

‘Environments Where Equality Thrives’

“It is my belief that diversity and inclusion must authentically exist at the core of an organization’s value system in order for true change to happen,” said Patel, who has built diverse creative teams for agencies as well as brands such as Chico’s and Bed Bath & Beyond. “We must make it a priority to have honest conversations about racial unrest and our own inherent biases, create environments in which equality thrives, and make heightened efforts to understand and shift the nuanced cultural and political climate we currently live in.”

Violet PR President and webinar co-host, April Mason, noted: “During these rapidly changing times, it’s critical that organizations recognize appropriate ways to communicate about diversity and inclusion, while seeking to become more diverse themselves. I was thrilled that Shena was able to talk openly with business leaders and communications experts.”

Defining Privilege, Unconscious Bias & More

Throughout the session, Patel explored recent data on the productivity of diverse corporate teams, defined “white privilege” and unconscious bias, and ran through workable “Do’s and Don’ts” for today’s companies. Patel and Mason also discussed recent measures taken by Fortune 500 companies and prominent organizations to address #BlackLivesMatter and ways to remain proactive – versus simply adjusting corporate rhetoric.

An example of a strong corporate approach to social justice, the hosts explained, was Target’s activities following the tragic death of George Floyd in May 2020. The organization decided to commit $10 million to “ongoing resources for rebuilding efforts and advancing social justice.”

In the session, Patel also noted that – according to recent data – inclusive teams make better business decisions 87% of the time. Further, in defining unconscious bias, the creative director asked the audience to consider the following survey results: Job seekers with “white-sounding” names received an employer callback one out of 10 times. Applicants with names frequently associated with the African American community received a callback just one out of 15 times.

The disparity extends beyond employment to housing, personal finance and many other areas, Patel said.

Hiring Practices

One business area capable of reflecting organizational change rather quickly, the co-hosts noted, is in hiring practices. Patel suggested that 89% of today’s CEOs remain white. That said, diversity consultants can help build diverse, authentic teams for today’s companies. These professionals work closely with corporate/hiring teams to develop an unbiased point of view.

This will often involve branching out and searching beyond usual “networks” for qualified candidates, she said, while also noting that both applicants and hiring boards/advisory panels should be diverse.

Lastly, the webinar also discussed ways that business leaders can avoid sounding “tone deaf” when talking publicly about race, gender and privilege – citing recent interviews, media stories and social media examples. Takeaways include developing a strong, active and flexible stance on social justice and ways to effect change.

About the Panelists

Born in London to parents from India, Patel moved to New York City as a child. With a bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Montreal and a master’s degree from Goldsmiths, University of London, she has studied, traveled and lived around the world.

Violet PR’s Mason boasts over two decades of experience developing public relations campaigns for clients large and small. An expert in economic and real estate development, Mason seeks to represent underserved destinations and demographic sectors and actively partners with women- and minority-owned businesses. She was named one of New Jersey’s Top 50 Women in Business in 2020 by NJBIZ.

For more information, visit: www.VioletPR.com.


About Violet PR

Whether it's rebranding a city, drawing attention to a revitalized neighborhood, or promoting a new sustainable development, Violet PR helps clients make a difference. Through a combination of news stories, social media and compelling content, our N.J.-based boutique public relations firm helps clients attract more dollars and supporters. www.VioletPR.com 

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