ARLINGTON, VA – In the wake of the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests all around the world, Telophase Corporation co-hosted a Town Hall Thursday, June 11, 2020 with Science Systems and Applications, Inc. (SSAI) to discuss racial injustice and how people can enact positive change in their communities and in the workplace.
Two panelists shared their experiences and expertise to an audience of nearly 200 people that Thursday afternoon.
Questions from the audience covered a wide range of topics: from asking about personal experiences with the police, how to celebrate Juneteenth, to starting conversations about race in the workplace.
The panelists emphasized that having open discussions about race can be difficult for everyone involved and people should be understanding of that. They said these conversations should push people to the notion of being “comfortably uncomfortable” and that people should work to curate safe spaces where discussion can ensue: regardless of who wants to speak and who doesn’t.
One panelist, Senior Policy Associate at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. Dr. Richard Ezike, said it’s important for those who have privilege to acknowledge that privilege in order to stand in solidarity with those who do not.
“In discussing racial inequity, those who are privileged have to acknowledge that society’s currently discriminatory structure allows them to gain access to benefits that other communities – such as people of color – do not have.”
Ezike lauded a question from one audience member about how people can address black happiness as well as black sorrow.
“We not only have to acknowledge sorrow, but also the happiness and the success stories. Because even the success stories that are happening at a time of struggle – and to see that people have grown and achieved and are bringing people with them – is important to know.” Ezike said.
When the discussion turned to what people could do to support their African-American colleagues during times rife with grief and protest, the panelists suggested simply checking in with them and asking them how they’re doing. Creating an environment where people feel free to speak up and be heard is what the panelists said would improve any work environment.
— Later that afternoon, Telophase’s corporate website was taken down for 8 minutes and 46 seconds in support of the fight for social justice and equality. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., April 16, 1963
