Diversity Thresholds: How social norms, visibility, and scrutiny relate to group composition
Introduction As institutional Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) efforts have become increasingly prevalent, public scrutiny (critical attention paid to particular behaviors) has increasingly been recognized as an effective tool to encourage such efforts. The #OscarSoWhite critique of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is one such example. Although previous scholarship has shown…
Read MoreHow to Lead Your Company as a True Ally
Introduction When Carter G. Woodson, the Black historian refered to as the Father of Black History, launched Negro History Week in 1926, he understood that the celebration of African American history and scholarship could not just be a one-week act. Instead, he insisted that the goal should be “studying the Negro throughout the school year,…
Read MoreThe Bias of ‘Professionalism’ Standards
Introduction In the midst of widescale evidence of natural-hair discrimination in the workplace and in schools, some states, in 2019, began to outlaw this form of discrimination. There is the story of the Black student who was told to cut his hair or he would not be allowed to graduate, and another of a Black woman who had her…
Read MoreWhy Diverse Teams are Smarter
Introduction Until recently, workplace diversity was primarily perceived as a tool for enhancing corporate profitability. It was understood that private corporations that excelled in enhancing diversity based on race, ethnicity, and gender generally had more significant financial outcomes, particularly in terms of net income growth and return on economic equity. Yet, recent research has explored…
Read MoreAddressing Racism in the Organization: The Role of White Racial Affinity Groups in Creating Change
Introduction The authors of this study examine the role of racial affinity groups or caucuses in understanding institutional racism and transforming an institution towards antiracism and racial equity. They trace the development, execution, and operation of a white antiracism caucus that was facilitated by the two authors at a social service agency. They found that…
Read MoreWhite Allyship of Afro-Diasporic Women in the Workplace: A Transformative Strategy for Organizational Change
Introduction In this conceptual article, lead author and Afro-Latina doctoral student Samantha E. Erskine and Dr. Diana Bilimoria explore how white allyship can support the career development and leadership advancement of Afro-Diasporic women in the workplace. Afro-Diasporic women, or Black women from across the African diaspora, are critically underrepresented in corporate and senior leadership roles…
Read MoreStories Untold: Counter-Narratives to Anti-Blackness and Deficit-Oriented Discourse Concerning HBCUs
Introduction Despite the wide ranging accomplishments earned by historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), narratives regarding HBCUs often use deficit-oriented framing that erase their achievements. This context of pervasive institutional anti-blackness is rooted in the historical marginalization of HBCUs that continues to reinforce itself through less favorable depictions of HBCUs in the media and ultimately…
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