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You’ve Got to Let Go of White Comfort in DEI Programs

An open letter from your Black diversity consultant

Dynasti Hunt Harris
Momentum
3 min readNov 24, 2020

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Photo: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

First, I usually hear it in your voice. Then, I see it in your body language: the SHIFT.

We’re on a call to discuss your newfound interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion work as an organization and as a leader. The second I shift from the word inclusion to the terms anti-racism, there is a visible shift in your demeanor. And maybe you don’t notice it, but I do because it happens so much that I’m prepared to expect it.

You didn’t reach out to me because you want to talk about race — you don’t want to unpack White dominant culture. You aren’t focused on equity because you think everyone is automatically equal. You ask, Shouldn’t we just make sure everyone feels like they belong at the organization?

Even as a Black woman who had experienced so much harm, I, too, prioritized your White comfort and held onto my internalized oppression to make you happy.

Sure. But what you’re really asking is for me to continue prioritizing White comfort over the real work and change that your organization needs to face. These two things are not the same.

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Momentum
Momentum

Published in Momentum

Momentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.

Dynasti Hunt Harris
Dynasti Hunt Harris

Written by Dynasti Hunt Harris

CEO of Tayden Impact Partners | Exploring leadership, DEI, and organizational transformation through the lens of personal growth and impact.

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