Black History Month Special: Diversity

My favorite workplace buzz word over the last few years is "Diversity." A generally applied code for the inclusion of African-Americans, Hispanic, Asian, women, LGBT, and minorities. It's shorter and catchier than Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and applies to more than just the workplace. Diversity is more universal and not as narrow as EOE because it can be used to describe other situations, such as there was diversity among the contractors or the University campus was very diverse. The word lives up to the standards of EOE. It also can represent a way of thinking; a variety of thoughts, emotions, and abilities. In the broader sense, diverse covers everything America and the world offers to various degrees.

Checks & Balances On Control

One of the keys of power is to control and define diversity in every sense of the word. Over the years Black History Month has helped reshape the thinking of many African-Americans, minorities, the poor, the middle class and the rich. Some of those thoughts have been good and some not so good. The month has put an image and identity to: accomplishment, sacrifice, evil with and without malice, American history, economics, Black power, bigotry, ignorance, dispel stereotypes, education, religion, courage, White supremacy, liberalism, racial profiling, conservatism, advancement, polities, hatred, and love.

Rather than rattling on to make a point, here is a YouTube video with a culturally diverse group of youth in Brooklyn, NY, pointing out 28 possibly Unknown Black History Facts:

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Division within diversity equates to power for those wishing to control the majorities created by the chaos. If diversities pulled together instead of apart, it could change the course of time. "The courage of his ignorance should never be underestimated;" a term put to the test of time by every power structure since the beginning of man.

There will always be opportunities to refinance the future with a clearer picture of true cultural diversity. Black History Month is always a great refocus for many to make daily history. Actor Robert Blake used to say, "You can't let the suits get to you," his way of saying to keep your eyes on the ball and don't be discouraged. In other words, be aware and more committed to the full use of your skills and talents.