The beginning half of 2020 has been transformative. The worldwide pandemic that basically shut the world economy down, brought travel to a standstill and saw some form of shelter-in-place orders in most of the world is still showing no sign of letting us get back to “normal” and now, the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of police in an American city has sparked anti-racism protests around the world. And many Canadians are being forced to realize that we’re not immune to systemic racism, either.
Because of the ever-present threat of Covid-19, I haven’t been able to attend any of the anti-racism protests, but I’ve been deeply affected by them all. It was so heartening to see that a city that riots after losing a hockey game had one of the most peaceful and respectful rallies in the world. But since I can’t go, I’ve been trying to think of ways that I can help. At first, I didn’t think there was much I could do. I’m not in a position of power, I don’t employ people, I don’t have a say in any company policies, I hold no sway with anyone. Or do I? So, I put a Black Lives Matter sign on my patio that faces the street. A small gesture but at least people might see it and think. But then I had to think… is there more I can do?
I firmly believe that yes, policing has to change, the system has to change, but education and training have to change as well. And I don’t just mean for police. And this is where I see that I can play a role. It’s a small role but it is a role. When clients come to me and ask for my expertise to help them design and develop training courses, it is my responsibility to make sure that I work with them to make sure their training is as diverse as possible and doesn’t have any unintended bias. This is just a very first step but if I do it and I work with my clients to do it, I am, in a small way, working to change and heal the system. I can also challenge you to find a way you can help change the system. After all, as someone said to me recently, it’s no longer enough to just not be racist, we have to be anti-racism. We all have a part to play, no matter how small, we just have to figure out what it is.