Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Washburn University, to discuss her specific topic, race relations.
Race Relations
Upon addressing why the topic of race relations is not discussed more openly, Danielle acknowledges that she believes, “women, particularly women of color, discuss this among themselves all the time. It may be in our sororities, with our mentors or professional colleagues who are also women of color.” However, she says “we don’t have large community discussions because we don’t always trust that others in the community will understand or appreciate our issues.” It goes without saying, that “these issues are really difficult to talk about.”
Danielle feels strongly that “we should all be engaged in managing bias and eliminating discrimination.” She notes that she has had “well intentioned, white colleagues express macroaggressions that demonstrated bias. They didn’t realize they were not helpful. It would have been better for them to ask, ‘what can I do to help?’”
It’s important to understand that “Even if you are not a woman or a person of color, you can help create greater equity in your organization.”
“The first thing to do is when an issue comes up is not to let it pass,” says Danielle. Find one person who is open for discussion on the event that occurred, whether it be a colleague or a boss. “If there is no one inside the organization, we should have one on the outside to keep our sanity.” What’s critical is that you “don’t keep it all inside; that can cause emotional harm.”
Danielle firmly believes that it is critical to have that sponsorship in the workplace. As a part of her discussion during the panel, she will elaborate on the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, as well as on how to establish allies. She will also discuss steps that can be taken to really address the issue of racial discrimination in the workplace through leadership resources and specialized training.
Essentially, Danielle says it’s all about open communication and trust, on behalf of the individuals and the companies themselves. When discrimination occurs, all people involved, whether it be directly or indirectly, need to be brave enough to speak up and tell someone within the workplace to take the steps to correct the negative behavior.
Danielle stresses that if people want to be that ally to others, they must make an effort to genuinely get to know that person or persons. Also, be sure to educate yourself, “instead of expecting that friend to educate and enculturate you.” The first step can be as simple as reading a book or attending a cultural festival in the community.
Be sure to share this event on Facebook, and stay tuned for more Quiet Conversation topics to be shared in the following days.