For those who do not know, America is the second biggest democracy in the world. The land where people have freedom of speech and legal rights to protect themselves, and yet their black community is still suffering. Although racial segregation ended back in 1950 and slavery even way before that, still in 2022, the black community is threatened and suppressed by white supremacy and constant racial injustice and discrimination. The problem of racism and injustice is so deep-rooted, consistent, and extended through the present that the black community living in the States are facing issues like redlining, employment discrimination, systematic oppression, police brutality, and other issues which constantly remind them that they are not even considered as a second class citizen.
However, we have seen a dynamic shift in the last year, and many people have come forward to raise their voices against the brutality the black community is facing.
Thus, it is safe to say that the black community is not fighting systematic oppression alone.
Back in 2020, George Floyd, a member of the black community, was murdered in broad daylight by a police officer.
This sparked the largest protest that was against police brutality and racism.
While the measures are taken, and people are raising their voices, the systematic racism and discrimination against the black community have been around for the last 400 years.
These steps are important and necessary, but they will not be able to stop the running rampant racism.
We need people who can amplify the voices and take some actionable and impactful steps so that the ball can start rolling in the right direction.
Breaking down white supremacy, racial bias, and discrimination requires collective efforts.
Business leaders have a strong position in society because of capitalism and the fact that they own means of production and a large amount of money.
Therefore, to bring attention to the issues of the black community, business leaders can be used to voice and raise their voices against injustice.
Even though it is beyond the time to start work, little steps and efforts can go a long way.
Here are 8 ways how business leaders can help the black community.
Change begins with you. Change begins at home. You must have heard this a lot of times, and it is true.
Business leaders can help the black community by acknowledging and admitting that there are power dynamics in the workplace.
Therefore, they should create a safe space or environment where people are educated about toxic workplace culture and discrimination.
Business leaders can implement zero-tolerance policies to counter hate crimes, discrimination, and even casual racist remarks.
Business leaders certainly know the power they hold. They know they are heard, and people follow and ponder upon your words.
Therefore, when they are sitting in a place where you hear racist remarks from friends, family, or even colleagues – they should point it out and let them know how unacceptable such things are.
Especially if they are in a space that lacks racial diversity, you can speak up about that to bring a change in other people’s perspectives and thinking.
The biggest help is to bridge the gap between other people and the black community, which a successful business leader can do.
Another great way to help the black community is by donating funds to black people suffering from hunger, and diseases, to families who lost their loved ones due to racist attacks and police brutality, and can also invest in black-owned businesses.
Another great way to help is by connecting the younger black generation with current business titans so that they can get a grip on current business trends.
This will not only boost their motivation but will also help them realize that nothing is unattainable.
Moreover, you can support or give funds to organizations run by black people to support the entire black community in terms of healthcare, education, and security.
For their company’s interests, business leaders will need to make endorsements – thus, make sure who you are endorsing.
When it comes to advertisements, to help the black community, be careful who you donate to and what kind of words you use to advertise.
Allies – one of the strongest words out there, which boosts the confidence of people.
Fighting oppression alone can take a toll on mental health; honestly, it consumes everything.
Therefore, business leaders can be their allies, provide them with resources, reach out to help, and take a stand for the black community in their political activities.
To fight racial discrimination and injustice and to help the black community, business leaders can certainly use the power of voting.
Leaders can stop or withhold their support from engaged politicians or have a previous record of engaging in racist terror acts.
With the power and control business leaders have, they can hold politicians accountable for rampant racism.
The 15 percent pledge talks about that every supermarket and their shelves will carry 15% black-owned business products.
Business leaders can encourage this activity and even promote it as well. The more business leaders will ask stores to take action; the more help will be provided to the black community.
Business leaders can make their programs and company more inclusive and diverse by recruiting people from the black community.
Systematic inequality will be tackled when more and more people from the black community are welcomed warmly in the companies.