5 Things / giving credit
This week I read that Dr. Anthony Fauci, in speaking about the Covid-19 vaccine, specifically said, "the first thing you might want to say to my African American brothers and sisters is that the vaccine that you're going to be taking was developed by an African American woman." He was deliberate to give Dr. Kizzy Corbett credit. To specifically amplify her. She earned it, and Dr. Fauci used his privilege to say her name. That's an example of anti-racism.
I also learned this week that Major League Baseball corrected history by giving the Negro League full Major League Baseball Status. Players like Willie Mays will now have their Negro League records count towards their MLB total. This is long overdue, but it's now done and the players will get credit. They will be amplified. Major League Baseball made an anti-racist policy change.
Yes, there's still a lot of work to do. But you can do your part by continuing to look for ways to give credit and amplify those who have fewer advantages than you. That seems like an easy (and free) gift to give this holiday season.
Here are the good vibes I found this week:
Australia-based BHP, the second largest mining company in the world, committed to gender parity by 2025. This is notable because the industry is heavily male dominated. They're still far from the ambitious goal, but the steps they're taking are an excellent blueprint for any organization. This matters because public diversity targets hold an organization accountable.
I also learned about the empowering and empathetic language HubSpot uses on its job postings. It reads, in part: "however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day.” This matters because it sends a clear signal to people with marginalized identities: you are welcome here.
India now has a LGBTQ workplace equality index, similar to the Human Right Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. The index is a scorecard of a company's LGBTQ-inclusive policies and is an important barometer for job-seekers and consumers. This matters because the LGBTQ community wants to know where they can feel safe to openly work and do business.
This is my last 5 Things of 2020. Wishing you some joy and peace these next few weeks. I'll see you in the new year.
Thanks for all you do to build a more inclusive world-
All the best,
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