TBN #19
Who’s the Boss? 👩💻🧑💼👨💻
Listen friend, it’s been a week! But…
I am making it through and you are too! I know that because you are here and we are almost to the weekend.
Last week, I shared how to share trauma-free content. Since then, there has been a mass shooting at my alma materand many other trauma-inducing events in the news. However, The Basic Newsletter is a place for me to connect with you and share information on how we all can become better. I choose not to share events related to gun violence and police brutality because it is often triggering for other people. If I am being honest, it is triggering for me, at times. Instead, I focus on what we can do and provide resources to help, when needed. This is a journey and the goal is to help you build momentum on being a better person to those around you.
There’s more goodness waiting for you so let’s get into it…
WEEKLY UPDATE
CLIFF NOTES: IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
Trends started by Black women
NFL Cheerleaders want justice
February is Black History Month
February is also Ethnic Equality Month (in some countries)
BENTON’S BASICS: WORK ANNIVERSARY REFLECTIONS
Long story short…
A few days ago, I celebrated my work anniversary as a Chief Officer for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Here are some of my reflections about leading as a CDO:
Communication as a problem solver: More often than not, proactive communication can avoid many misunderstandings in the workplace. Proactive and transparent communication also builds trust within the organization.
Supervising is hard: If you have direct reports, then you already know. Supervising is hard but it is also rewarding. I am in a constant state of reevaluation and reflection when it comes to my role as a supervisor.
Being nice is good, being effective is better: As a woman, I was socialized to be nice. However, I quickly learned that you must learn to be effective if you want to be in leadership. While some people may enjoy nice-ness in DEI, they care more about what you can do and how you can do it.
Opinions are not actions: If you’ve been following the news (or comment sections on social media), then you know many people have opinions about DEI. Opinions can be a distraction. It is more important to focus on actions.
Self-learning: Even though I am a CDO, I am still learning. Vocabulary is constantly evolving and more information is being shared on different people’s experiences. I must continue to self-examine my relationship to others and this work.
STUDY HALL: CONFRONTING ANTI-BLACKNESS
I cannot let Black History Month pass us by without talking about anti-blackness. Anti-blackness is “the prejudice and discrimination against Black people. It is based on the belief that Black people are inferior to other racial groups and is often reinforced by societal norms and institutions” (Source: Anti-Racism Daily). Harvard Library created an interactive website dedicated to Confronting Anti-Black Racism. Let’s explore how anti-blackness shows up in public health, science, criminal justice, space and design, and education.
HOMEWORK: BEING A GOOD SAMARITAN
What I’m Reading 📖: USC briefs on supporting justice system-impacted students. This brief in particular, “How Can Colleges Build and Expand Partnerships with County Jails.”
What I’m Listening To 🎧: Side Effects of Being a Good Samaritan podcast episode.
What I’m Watching 📺: I’m watching the movie, Somebody I Used to Know on Prime. I love a rom-com and it is February, after all.
DANCE BREAK: THE BOSS
This week’s song, “The Boss” is in honor of the dancing queen, Diana Ross. Her former group, The Supremes, recently won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy (Grammy’s).
DOUBLE TAP: WHO I’M FOLLOWING
Her videos are funny reenactments that also educate viewers about microaggressions. Not sure what a microaggression is? Start here.
I’d love to hear from you!
What do you need to be better in work and in life? Send me a message or connect with me on social.
