Navigating Race in The Workplace
In a world that is beginning to perceive diversity and inclusion as a “trend,” it is easy to find yourself being the “voice of color”. Being the “voice of color” often leads you to pigeon-holing yourself into the role of spokesperson in a way that can be challenging and at times, uncomfortable. Diversity and inclusion are the “new normal” and as a black, female, public relations student attending a predominantly white institution; here are some of the ways to navigate this new normal as a person of color.
You are not the only voice
Recognizing that your identified “voice of color”, or you yourself, are not the only individual that can educate on the topic of race is key to your mental well-being. Educating your peers, co-workers and work cohorts on the topic of race, equity and inclusion is something that is integrated into the society that we live in. However, whether it is the person of color working within the cubicle next to you (or in this case; Zoom breakout group), or you yourself as the person of color working in a predominantly white space, it is not the job of the oppressed to educate the oppressor. Being identified as the go-to person of color gives you the chance to educate, however, it does not have to be your sole role.
State your boundaries
It is okay to be an education hub for all things inclusion, however it is on you to understand when it is too far. Education can not be synonymous with complete discomfort. Teach individuals not only how to understand a differing race, but how to treat you as a human being. Knowing when to educate versus when to step back and allow for individual understanding of inclusivity, will foster a deeper level of understanding that is not necessarily taken into account when asking “your friend of color” about the race discussion.
Strike a code-switching balance
Code-switching is nothing new and is typically implemented within white spaces where European-vernacular is the norm. Mixing your usual vernacular with day-to-day euro-centric jargon will not only liberate you, but force your co-workers to recognize that the norm is no longer the norm. Perfected English and euro-centric heavy ways of thought are not a true depiction of what is illustrated within the real world. Key your co-workers in on that.
Be you
I have had my fair share of assumptions and “what type of black person” people believe me to be. Do not allow yourself to feed into preconceived notions.
You are you.
You are not the black voice, or the voice of color.
You are a voice that happens to be a person of color.
Differentiating fact from self is something that you already know, however it is something that you have to live.
Being the “voice of color” is the double-edge sword that you are given to carve out the spaces and places for diverse conversations to be fostered. Finding my personal voice is something that I have made homework of in order to continue speaking up on important issues on race. Use your double-edge sword you have been given for the advantage and betterment of the ever-evolving race conversation, in order to allow for the work of diversity equity and inclusion to continue.
About Lauren:
Lauren is a junior studying advertising and public relations with an emphasis in public relations at Grand Valley State University. When Lauren is not working for GrandPR or at her bookstore job, she enjoys going on walks, spending time with her family, and catching up on her favorite podcast.