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V O L . X X V I I N O. V § 2 M A R C H 8 , 2 0 2 1 28 D I V E R S I T Y / E Q U I T Y / I N C L U S I O N F O C U S Q: Our organization stands in solidarity with 'minor- ity' communities including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We want to do more but are unsure where to begin. A: We suggest that you start by discontinuing use of the word minor- ity. Merriam-Webster defines the term as "the smaller number or part, especially a number that is less than half of the whole number." Although you might intend to simply reference demographic reality, many people latch onto the "smaller" or "lesser" portion of the definition. America has a long history of using coded and signaling language to designate sec- ond class citizens. is is why we find modern use of 'minority' insufficient, and lacking the nuance deserved by the humans being referenced. Persistently using inadequate language creates confusion about any subject — and confusion often leads to an atmosphere of inaction. Racial equity is difficult, and does not occur when avoidance and inaction are viewed as normal. Instead of repeat- ing this mistake, try using alternatives such as disenfranchised, underrepre- sented or underutilized (our personal favorite). e key is to step outside of racist and less-than-thoughtful language patterns and replace these patterns with action items. We cannot recommend a single racial equity starting point for all organizations, but we can recom- mend a specific pledge and give examples of effective business behav- iors. Organizations such as Black Owned Maine give you a chance to sign the Maine Black Business Pledge. Be very careful about starting new programs focused on BIPOC communities where such programs already exist. Remember that communities of color have been systemically set up for failure, in many ways. And they have not benefited from centuries of economic and cultural equity shared by those in white communities. In fact, the powerful resource of money is often the primary thing lacking in these community's efforts. Be sure you have done focused work on antiracism and decoloniza- tion before you engage actively with these communities. Note that we aren't simply saying that you shouldn't be racist, we mean to reference direct counteraction. You don't need all the answers today, but we are asking you to take personal action before jumping into the fight. e fight for racial equity is a real fight, and you will encounter people who want to stop this kind of progress. Reading books and taking classes are critical, but ultimately if you see injustice, say something and take immediate action. Use any privilege, persuasion, or pull that you have to make a true and lasting difference. As an organization void of BIPOC individuals, you can and should proactively examine policies and SOPS, dress codes and atten- dance policies, searching for outdated and intentionally/unintentionally biased standards. Even old, innocu- ous-seeming language can suddenly burst into newfound relevance, when tested say against a new Indigenous employee. Equity doesn't have to be stumbled upon haphazardly. Antiracism takes work! We mean that with intent and with high expectations, respectfully. Let's put in some work, together. Rose Barboza and Jerry Edwards are co-creators of Black O wned Maine, which manages a directory o f B l a c k o r ga n i z a t i o n s i n M a i n e , f o s t e r i n g strategic partnerships, and consciously creating content. Approach antiracism efforts with intent and high expectations B Y R O S E B A R B O Z A B Y R O S E B A R B O Z A A N D J E R R Y E D W A R D S A N D J E R R Y E D W A R D S H OW TO Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience helps to further our mission every day. For Health. For Life. For ALL. www.androscoggin.org we are better. MDF is committed to understanding and addressing systemic racism, and to working with partners, members, communities, leaders, and policy makers to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable Maine economy. BE PART OF THE PROGRESS FOR MORE INFO: MDF.ORG Join us for our "Advancing Equity" series beginning April 28. Find more info about the Maine Black Business Pledge at blackownedmaine.com/maine-black- business-pledge or contact us at blackownedmaine@gmail.com @

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