The senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, among countless other Black individuals, have initiated a long overdue global discourse around — and individual and collective action against — systemic racism. To enact real and lasting change requires taking a hard look at the practices, biases, behaviors, and leadership that have continued to perpetuate a system that creates inequality, injustice, and violence for the Black community and people of color.

Many organizations are examining and re-evaluating their workplace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts to understand where they’re falling short, what needs to change, and how they will measure and report out on progress going forward. And as communicators, it’s our responsibility to play a part in these tough conversations with our teams, organizational leadership, and of course, our people. 

Below are resources and experts we have found helpful in our own education as we have these important discussions with our clients and each other. Check back in regularly for new content and sections.

@linkList;Jump to a section or read on:;Inequality and Racism at Work;Allyship and Supporting Employees;Internal and Leadership Communications;Company Response Samples;Supporting Managers

Inequality and Racism at Work

• How to Begin Talking About Race in the Workplace (Wharton)
• Black Lives Matter! Yes, Even in the Workplace (Siji Onabanjo)
• Businesses Must Take Meaningful Action Against Racism (Harvard Business Review)
• Having Hard Conversations About Racism (Andrew Blotky) 
• How Businesses Can Address and Remedy Systemic Social Injustices (Ragan)
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Allyship and Supporting Employees

• How Allyship Drives Workplace Inclusion (HR Dive)
• The Guide to Allyship (Guide to Allyship)‍
• Get It Wrong for Me: What I Need From Allies (Megan Carpenter)‍
• Breaking the Silence at Work (Newsweek)‍
• Maintaining Professionalism In The Age of Black Death Is….A Lot (Shenequa Golding)
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Internal and Leadership Communications

• Help Your Leaders Speak Up (Karen Clay)
• CEOs and Business Leaders Respond to Nationwide Civil Unrest (Fast Company)
• Why CEO Black Lives Matter Communications Are Critical (Upwork)
• Tech Companies Respond to Protests and Systemic Racism (TechCrunch)
• How to Communicate During Civil Unrest (Ragan)
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Company Response Samples

• A Message From the Senior Leadership Team (Best Buy) 
• A Message from MassBio on the Current State of Our Country (MassBio)
• A Note From Brian Cornell to Our Communities in the Twin Cities and Beyond (Target)
• Silence Is NOT An Option (Ben & Jerry’s)
• Our Diversity Opportunity (Levi Strauss & Co.)
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Supporting Managers

• How to Manage Your Team in Times of Political Trauma (Michelle Kim)
• Empathy by Zoom (Korn Ferry)
• A Manager’s Guide to initial Response to Times of Racial Turmoil (Inclusive at Work) 
• 6 Ways to Manage Black Employees with Dignity and Respect (Fast Company)
• How White Managers Can Respond to Anti-Black Violence (Yale)
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