How can African Americans Benefit from the Black Lives Matter Movement....

The death of George Floyd has caused a ripple effect in the way that we deal with racism. What it means to be Black in America is evolving right before our eyes.  Although the catalyst of this change is one that came from a tragedy, the end result, if done properly, could be revolutionary. 

The Black Lives Matter movement is here to stay.  Individual and organizational awareness of African American disparities is substantial at this moment and the need to create change is apparent.  Many organizations have begun to invest in or expand their diversity initiatives.  This has opened up remarkable opportunities for African Americans and Black-owned businesses to gain access to what is often very restricted domains.  African Americans most definitely need to take advantage of the momentum and ride this wave of equality.  This is the perfect time to go after that promotion; apply for that grant, or start a business.   However, before you do so there are few steps that you should follow first: Educate yourself on the opportunities that have become available because of the movement and networking.

Education is your MAC NW30.  Proper education will allow those of diverse backgrounds to infiltrate institutions and opportunities that are often dominated by the majority.  So not only should you be aiming to obtain that MBA or other advanced degrees, be sure to educate yourself on other areas of advancement whether through formal or informal channels. Institutions such as JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs have pledged millions of dollars toward the economic and professional mobility of People of Color. Do your homework and research which institutions have publicly made these pledges and contact them. It would also be a good idea to do research on other institutions of interest that haven’t made their initiatives as public as many efforts are done internally.

Sometimes obtaining opportunities isn’t about what you know it is about who you know. Proper networking can create mutually beneficial relationships that make you more visible, relevant, and trustworthy. Start networking with individuals who are in a position to make a change and those who are already successful in your desired field or business. Strong relationships will accelerate your growth and reduce potential roadblocks. Begin to research individuals who have been tagged as the lead in diversity initiatives and invite to chat over coffee or schedule a Zoom meeting to talk about your qualifications. Create and nurture your newly developed library of resources and contacts by consistently offering your services and demonstrating your potential.

The Black Lives Movement has potentially opened many doors for People of Color. This is the perfect opportunity to market your uniqueness, grow your career, and help sustain diversity initiatives in your professional life and community.

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