"Silence is an action—you're complicit. You're complicit," Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo responded when asked whether the other three officers involved with restraining George Floyd would be arrested. This statement has weighed on me since watching Chief Arradondo's interview on TV. "Silence is an action—you're complicit. You're complicit."
How do I add my voice to promote justice, fight racism, and address inequalities? How can I make a difference? This past week I've observed many leaders making corporate expressions of concern and businesses restating their nondiscrimination policies. I've watched the demonstrations and protest marches where people shout their slogans for justice. I've listened to community and celebrity leaders say we need to have open discussions about justice. I agree; one of the most important first steps is acknowledging the injustices experienced by people of color. However, I believe the real challenge is grasping how deep that acknowledgment needs to go.
I facilitated a Peacemaking Circle this past week to share how current events impacted us. It struck me how easy it was to see the shared acknowledgment of social injustices; the surface awareness was evident. Yet the undercurrents were so turbulent and murky as to make the social injustice surface look calm. Individually we have below-the-surface feelings of uncertainty, pain, guilt, fear, rage, grief, and confusion concerning social justice. Awareness and sharing of these feelings are possible within a circle of trust. But, I wonder, is it possible to make the circle of trust big enough to encompass a community discussion on injustice?
Business and team leaders, I believe it's essential to create an environment where members feel free to broach topics about injustices, racism, and discrimination. We need to take the first steps of acknowledgment, hopefully leading to action. Yet let's not kid ourselves; if there are no tears, we are only addressing the surface issues.
However, let us not be deterred from talking because the topic of justice is too big or too personal, but allow ourselves to begin before we are ready. Let us speak honestly from our hearts and listen devoutly with our hearts. I'll conclude with this quote from Rachel Naomi Remen in her book Kitchen Table Wisdom: "I suspect that the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention. And especially if it's given from the heart. When people are talking, there's no need to do anything but receive them. Just take them in. Listen to what they are saying. Care about it. Most times caring about it is even more important than understanding it."