Nov 9, 2018
Howard Ross and Tracy Brown- Experts on race, belonging, and all
aspects of diversity and inclusion for over 25 years.
Howard is a white Jewish man and a baby boomer and Tracy is an
African-American woman and a baby boomer.
Most people want to feel like they belong to something greater than
themselves and being part of an environment where they can feel
supported and connected.
Tracy started cross-race dinners where people talk about race, make
new connections and new friends.
Tracy has facilitated dialogues about race and race relations in
corporations where people were afraid to talk about race with each
other.
She saw people drop their fear of each other and collaborate
more.
Howard discusses the need for people who are in dominant groups to
learn, understand and support people from non-dominant groups.
There are ways to have the conversation and make a difference
without shame, blame and attacking people. That doesn’t make any
positive changes.
Why people are afraid to talk about race
People of color are worried about repercussions in the work
environment and in other environments if they speak up.
White people are afraid of saying the “wrong thing.”
Tracy asks, “do you want to be a diversity cop or diversity
coach?”
While there are times someone might have to be a “diversity cop,”
but we you really want change and transformation you need be a
“Diversity coach.”
Howard Ross,”In organizations my job in diversity and inclusion is
to be a facilitator, and not an advocate.” In his life outside of
work, he is an advocate but if he’s an advocate in the corporate
environment, he won’t be able to help facilitate change.”
At what point should someone be fired and at what point should they be educated?
Howard supports free speech. He asks, ”What is the intent? Do
they just not know, it’s a one time incident that is not systemic.
However, there are the incidents that happen over and over and need
to be stopped.
There is a difference between what happened with Megyn Kelly and
Juan Williams.
The Juan Williams incident was an example of extreme political
correctness. He should not have been fired.
Tracy Brown,” Zero tolerance is inappropriate. It takes away
opportunity for change, learning and increased understanding.
Key points:
[caption id="attachment_899" align="alignleft" width="150"] Tracy Brown[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_900" align="alignleft" width="150"] Howard Ross[/caption]