Discussing Racial Injustice

These delicate conversations will be and should be emotionally charged for law firms and business organizations. However, the cost of doing nothing and ignoring them can have consequences for years to come. Law firms can and should put into action the process to make a difference.

Hopefully, the difficult but essential conversations about racial injustice started long before George Floyd’s death, brought about by an effort to address inclusion and equity in the workplace. One way to begin these discussions is by storytelling which is a process that focuses on encouraging employees to share their respective backgrounds and experiences. You'll learn a lot about the people you work with. It may surprise you to find out one of your co-workers or employees has dealt firsthand with inequity in the U.S. justice system. Ask them if they'd like to talk about it.

An organization should consider whether to speak out about a cultural issue or topic outside its intrinsic business parameters. This depends on a pivotal question: Is the company doing this for the right reasons? Sometimes the answer is no, and it might be better to treat an issue as a passion for the organization rather than taking a stance. However, speaking out can be a powerful and authentic option for organizations seeking to fight injustice. If an organization wants to affect real change, their efforts must go beyond making a statement. Many organizations are donating, posting their contributions on their website, and are being included in media stories on their efforts. However, for organizations seeking to be supportive during this time, the crucial steps will come after the news cycle moves, and the national media coverage and protests dwindle. While a few tragic occurrences have made headlines these past few months, incidents of racial injustice occur often. Organizations seeking to make an impact should carry the momentum by continuing to have difficult conversations and taking action.

How you can get involved

Any individuals looking to start telling their stories about these deeply personal issues should speak out. Sometimes sharing a personal story can create or add to a broader dialogue that is productive, respectful, and meaningful.
For organizations ready to fight against racial injustice both in society and the workplace, have difficult conversations in the workplace. Many workplaces already address issues such as workplace harassment and the #MeToo movement, but now it’s time to take it a step further and talk about the elephant in the room: racism.
Beyond just having conversations, organizations should start taking action. Conducting events and activities concerning inclusion and equity can help raise awareness about systematic racism and the racial injustices that occur in our country every day.

A significant step an organization can take is to provide a platform for people to share their emotions. Providing space for employees to express their feelings freely can encourage your staff to stand up together. It's a big step in the right direction if you want to promote a positive change in the world.

Even if your actions can’t have a significant impact, incremental progress can eventually add to momentous change. Taking small steps can be extremely useful and inspire positive change.

Sophie Corbett is an intern at Elizabeth Lampert PR and a journalism student at Cal Poly