What are your own personal DEIB commitments? Here are mine.

​“Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.
Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”
― Martin Luther King Jr., I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World
 
I love watching Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s I have a Dream Speech.  I watch it each Martin Luther King Day. There’s a reason why the speech is considered one of the best of all time in American History.

The words speak to my heart.  They remind me of the work that we still need to do together to build a more equitable world.  When I listen, I feel stirred in my soul to make things better for my human siblings, my family, my friends and future generations I will never meet.

This year, I listened to the speech like every other year.  Then, within hours, the programs to open the doors of opportunity for all Americans were purged from the US Government.  Many companies sadly followed suit.  Let’s be clear – this was an attempt to pull us from the sunlit path.  Personally, though, it only makes me more committed to lift our nation to the “solid rock of brotherhood.” I shall not be moved.

In the face of this rhetoric, I reminded myself that a more equitable, sustainable world begins with me.  I sat down and made a list of my own personal diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging commitments.  I encourage you, as a leader, to make a similar list.  Here's mine:

• I will not step back from my work to build a more inclusive world. I will double down.
• When I go into a room, I will still look for people that aren’t the same as me and build bridges by reaching out my hand to get to know them better. 
• I will still lift up BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. I will continue to listen to their voices.
• I will continue to educate myself about other cultures and seek to understand them through books, music, food and the arts.
• I will open my ears and continue to learn to be a better listener so that I truly learn from others whatever their place in life, whatever their politics and wherever their home town.
• I will still use a person’s correct pronoun.  I will work very hard to get it right as a sign of respect.  I will live the “golden rule.”

What are your personal diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging commitments?  Write them down. Share them.  Put them somewhere prominent to remind you of your role in the world as a leader of yourself and others.
 


Dr. King taught us that love builds a better world.

If the antidote to hate is love,

Then let's love even more. 

Let’s light up that sunlit path with so much love that it can be seen from space.

And Mars.

And the Delta Quadrant. 

Let’s make love our compass.
 
 


More Reading

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s  I Have A Dream Speech

What’s Up with White Women: Unpacking Feminism and White Privilege in Pursuit of Racial Justice by Ilsa Govan and Tilman Smith

Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, and So Much More by Janet Mock

Everyday Unbuntu: Living Together the African Way by Mungi Ngomane
 
 
 
And a Soundtrack

Crystal Waters – 100% Pure Love

Brown Skin Girl – Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, Beyonce, Wizkid

One Love / People Get Ready – Bob Marley


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 I love to write and share my passion for sustainable leadership. Download your copy of my Purpose Power Worksheet, which is designed to connect you with your own unique purpose. 
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