Conversations, Conclusions, and Freedom

Tony

Tony thought about his daughter Norah during his daily walk. He smiled as he remembered their latest time together.

The kids stopped by for Sunday coffee. Norah beamed with pride as she set the table with African donuts, Mendazi, she had purchased. She animatedly explained the history to Tony and her half-brother David. The pastry tasted delicious to Tony, but the happiness and excitement from his daughter fed his heart and his soul.

During his first conversation with the kids about their childhood, Tony felt so afraid of being admonished he actually left the house. He is so glad now that he came back and faced them. It was the best decision of his life other than marrying Norah’s mother, Judith.

He smiled while he walked. Then he remembered that David also wanted to talk about his childhood. That conversation had not happened. Tony decided to call David and remind him, too. Excitement bubbled up for him. He felt ready to face whatever David had to say in order to help them all become a happier family.

David

David was frustrated. Frustrated with himself, his firm, and his life. After talking with his friend, Paul, he experienced a great boldness and arranged to talk to his mentor at work, Edgar, about the lack of diversity on pitch teams.

Edgar shared a story or two of his often lonely ride to the top. “The only way to make change in a law firm is to become a rainmaker,” he said. And that is what Edgar had done. “I appreciate your awareness, David. Now it is your turn to speak up. In the moment, when you see that a diverse voice should be added to a team, talk to the team leader about it.”

David had agreed with Edgar. Yet, when the opportunity presented itself – literally the next day he was invited to a pitch for business and every single attorney attending was a white man like him – he stayed silent. Afraid he would lose the opportunity if he said anything.

He sighed. Now his dad was calling and wanted to talk to him. He was giving David the opportunity to talk about his childhood. David just did not want to talk about it. He felt weary.

On the positive side of things, he saw Norah was happier than ever. He took out his journal and decided to write about his feelings.

Norah

As Norah left the office of the CEO of her organization, she sighed and smiled. Surprise! They actually were committed to change for the better. The CEO, Tom, wanted Norah to focus on inclusion rather than diversity in her new role. He greenlighted the expense for her to gain a certification in DEIB (Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging). Her trip and the week-long studies began in less than a week.

Norah sat down at her simple desk in her simple office and took out her journal. When choosing the journal, she looked for a cover that represented how she felt. The picture of a dreamy black woman with full afro adorned with sparkling gems of blue, green, aqua, and ice-blue drew her attention each time she picked the book up. At first, she dreamed of becoming the woman on the cover. She imagined herself flying through the clouds, floating above rain storms, and diving down to skim fields of sunflowers, tulips, and lavender.

Now, Norah felt free! She was becoming the woman on the cover of her journal. Gratitude for her own courage in facing her fears and speaking up for herself engulfed her. Now, to pack!

Ruth

Ruth felt a prickly heat on her face when she left the CEO’s office. Tom had thanked her for bringing Norah to his attention. The truth was, Ruth thought she had brushed aside the problems Norah discussed with her – about not belonging – by suggesting Norah become the first director of diversity for the non-profit. Tom’s enthusiastic response completely surprised her.

“Where is this prickly heat coming from?” she thought once she sat safely behind her mahogany desk. She knew it was envy mixed with admiration. Norah showed courage Ruth never felt at work. Courage to speak up. Courage to talk about her own feelings. Courage to criticize.

There were so many times when Ruth felt like Norah. Now, as the employees under her direction as the head of human resources grew younger and younger, she felt less comfortable. She often ate lunch alone. She heard others – other directors, others who where part of her department – talk about going out for coffee together or attending each other’s parties. She was never invited.

She remembered years as the only woman in upper management. She realized most of her career carried loneliness with it. She decided to do something about. Tomorrow she would ask Norah for a place on the new diversity committee.