I just got back from a fabulous safari in Africa!” said my friend. “Really? Which country?” said I. She looked at me with a very puzzled expression, and repeated more loudly this time, “Africa!” I guess saying it louder was supposed to help me understand more clearly. I then said, “Many countries in Africa offer safaris. I was just wondering which one you experienced.” Then she said, “Oh!” and she told me the name of the reserve. I tried one more time. “Okay, so you were in Kenya, right?” “Yep, and it was unbelievable.”

Tears welled in her eyes as I answered her question. She asked me, “Why are you sitting at this table?” I said, “I am an ally and I want to learn more, so I can be more effective with my support.” I was speaking at an HR conference. The attendance was huge! 15,000 professionals. On…

In a word, NO! That does not mean however that all the anti-discrimination regulations enforced by the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunities Commission) should be abolished. What this does mean is leaders must not assume that just because their organization is following the law, that their work culture is prejudice or discrimination free. Let’s first define…

Have you ever heard or used “colored sugar” to describe brown sugar? Do you ever wonder what’s the big deal about being politically correct? Are you tired of political correctness and wonder why it is suggested that language should become more sensitive? Miriam Phillips, a friend and colleague of mine came across this term in…

Sight is the ability to see. Vision is the ability to SEE beyond barriers, turning them into bridges and realizing the benefits of diversity and inclusion in our workplace and communities. Challenge yourself to seek opportunities to learn about individuals of different groups; engage in meaningful dialogue and fun activities with members of different groups…

I had the opportunity to drive to the mountains and then to the shores of North Carolina to work with clients late last month. Although I usually do not like long car rides, these two were spectacular. I was constantly reminded of the miracles of nature as I enjoyed the many hues of the changing…

Redia Anderson and Lenora Billings-Harris, both of whom have a long and nationally recognized history in diversity work, have collaborated to write Trailblazers: How Top Business Leaders Are Accelerating Results Through Inclusion and Diversity (Wiley; $27.95).

Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP diversity motivational speaker and author will take you down the yellow brick road of diversity and inclusion. Click here to learn how to engage your …

Kerry Kennedy shared her dad’s words from 50+years ago. He was speaking in South Africa. The four dangers are relevant today. Robert Kennedy’s words… At the university, Daddy gave perhaps the most eloquent speech of his life. In it, he laid out the underpinnings of government. He said the individual is the child of God…

With dialogue can come understanding. Without it comes assumptions, presumptions and misdirected behavior. We all see events through our own life experience lenses. The more we are willing to examine an opposing point of view, the more likely we are to hold judgment until we have more facts. Within the last three weeks, I have…