Since the election of President Barack Obama, America has decided it is “post-racial.” Pundits, politicians, cultural critics, educators, and even a growing portion of the American public have claimed that we have moved beyond racial bias, and that race now plays an insignificant role along one’s pathway to success.

However, a snapshot of social trends in the U.S. continue to tell a different story:

- African Americans are less likely to be hired by white, Asian, and Latino managers than by African American managers;

-Lighter-skinned African Americans are more likely to be employed and advance in the workplace than their darker-skinned counterparts;

-African Americans are under-represented among those who achieve high educational attainment, are over-represented in the criminal justice system, and continue to disproportionately suffer from chronic health diseases.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. As I have often said, there is nothing “post-racial” about these trends. Our next phase of development must reflect a commitment to go beyond the social-psychological stereotypes or biases that render African Americans subject to racial discrimination. We need to look at the policies and systems that perpetuate and institutionalize bias against people of color and poor people. We need to elevate the structural racism analysis so that America’s core values of fairness” and “democracy” can be real for all who call the U.S. home.

As we take baby steps toward removing racial barriers to success in this society–and others–we must remain mindful that while it is important to combat individual acts of bias and bigotry (using litigation if necessary), it is also important to build our power by dismantling the structural barriers that prevent the accomplishment of what otherwise might promote fairness and opportunity for all.

Copyright 2010 Monique W. Morris

On January 15th, I had an opportunity to participate in Innovation and Equity 2010 in San Francisco, where the top 50 African Americans in technology were honored for their achievements. As the luncheon speaker, I had an opportunity to share my thoughts about the opportunities for engagement and the elevation of racial justice. I also had an opportunity to learn about some amazing new creations–from the curriculum tool created by Clemson scholars to equalize and improve learning in communities of color, and the robotics that are being developed in North Carolina A&T and Spelman, to the science that will improve the quality of health from researchers at Harvard. It was a very enriching experience and further demonstrated that while racial biases often prevent African American participation in the technological fields, especially engineering and the sciences, there really is no dearth of creativity and talent in our communities.

We have among us some of the greatest minds on Earth, yet because of discrimination in the workplace, many of these innovators never get a chance to show what they can do. It is a familiar story, really. So, if we are to think about how to change this scenario to improve outcomes, we must begin to think a bit differently about the opportunities before us today. While unemployment continues to plague the nation, President Obama has responded to the call for the creation of more jobs. Many of these new jobs are expected to grow in industries that will require skill sets in technology. With fair access to these jobs, we should see a thriving and diverse workforce that does not experience occupational segregation or wage inequality. While nothing elevates disparity faster than disaster, let’s use this rebuilding of America’s economy to produce a stronger commitment to equal opportunity.

Where do we go from here? Continue to elevate the importance of transparency in the workplace and think green. While emergency investments continue to face challenges reaching many communities of color, there is still an opportunity for us to make sure that high-need communities are not left behind.

In 2010, an Innovation and Equity “tour” will take place in up to six cities nationwide, where African Americans will be able to showcase their talent. Keep an eye on Black Money Worldwide for more information. BIG shout out to John William Templeton for making this gathering happen each year. Keep it going!

Copyright 2010 Monique W. Morris