episode 48: building empathy for black professionals pt. 1

This week, our guest Eri O’Diah shares a few of her experiences of being the youngest and only black person at work early in her career. Today, she runs a marketing company that she founded – but she still carries some of the damage that was done by corporate abuse.

Eri wanted to also share the following after reflecting on our interview . . .

“When there is darkness, there is also light. I learned a lot about business during that time. The experience reminded me that I was not there to work at an insurance firm pushing numbers. I moved to LA to pursue my dreams of producing films. When I left the insurance firm, I did just that. I went back to school, got and internship at NBC Universal, and never looked back. While the experience was traumatic and follows me still today, I know the corporate bullies of past were dead wrong, and did not kill my spirit. My capabilities and talent are proven in my success as an entrepreneur and philanthropy.

You can take action to becoming better allies by campaigning for inclusive and equitable hiring practices. You can also speak up if you see a professional of color being treated unfairly. Even when it’s at your own expense.”

https://soundcloud.com/prohumans/episode-48-building-empathy-for-black-professionals-pt-1

Eri has also provided us with several resources to get involved.

Donate to:
George Floyd Memorial fund
Minnesota Freedom Fund
Reclaim The Block
Black Lives Matter
Bail Project
Black Vision Collective
Campaign Zero
National Bail Fund Network
The Innocent Project
Run With Maud
Justice for Breonna

Organizations to follow:
@blklivesmatter 
@Colorofchange
@naacp
@showingupforracialjustice
@civilrightsorg
@reclaimtheblock
@ethelsclub
@unitedwedream

Numbers to Call & Text:
Call DA Mike Freeman at (612) 348-5550 and demand his resignation.
Leave a message on (502) 574-2003 for Louisville Mayor and demand justice for Breonna Taylor. 

Petitions to Sign:
Justice for George Floyd
Colors of Change [#JusticeforFloyd]
Justice for Brianna Taylor
Justice for Ahmaud Arbery

to Ask Yourself:

  1. What can you do to support POCs in your community?
  2. What are your local politicians’ policies on ending police brutality and driving economic equity for black, brown, and indigenous communities? Are you registered to vote? 
  3. When were you taught about race?
  4. How do you plan on helping the fight to end racial discrimination and systematic oppression?
  5. How can you use anti-racist knowledge to change and progress conversation with friends, family, colleagues and peers?
  6. How can you be actively anti-racist instead of simply “not racist”?
  7. What do you want to learn about race? 

Action Items:

  • Register to vote.
  • Check-in on your black friends, family, partners, and colleagues.
  • Educate yourself and read up on what it means to be anti-racist.
  • Screenshot, share, and repost resources to educate those around you.
  • Don’t center the narrative around you. Identify the privilege and condemn it.
  • Stop supporting organizations that promote hate.
  • Be an ally and advocate after the outrage ends.
  • Continue to donate to fund and support initiatives you care about if you have the means.
  • Hire a person of color or minority-owned business. 
  • Shop black when you can.