Redefining “Anti-Black Bias”

Discussing the Use/Misuse of Anti-Black Bias: A Call for a Manifesto of Collaboration and Structural Change

???? Status Quo ????

Unconscious bias and discrimination against individuals of African and African Ancestry persist in many workplaces and institutions. While unconscious bias training has been implemented, recent evidence suggests its limited effectiveness in driving meaningful change.

We invite Sir Keir Starmer and representatives of the Labour Party to a meeting to discuss structural inequality and collaborative solutions specific to your ward, borough, or region.

???? Unconscious Bias Training Limitations ????

1️⃣ Limited Impact on Attitudes: Unconscious bias training often focuses on obtaining a passing score rather than genuine education, failing to address the root causes of biases and potentially emboldening discriminatory behavior.

2️⃣ Minimal Behavior Change: Despite increasing awareness, unconscious bias training has shown little evidence of leading to behavioral change, emphasizing the need for more effective strategies.

???? Structural Inequality and Discrimination ????

1️⃣ Evidence of Discrimination: Reports highlight the structural discrimination faced by individuals of African and African Ancestry in public authorities, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the perpetuation of discrimination.

2️⃣ Labour Government's Proposed Race Equality Act: The draft plans for a new race equality act demonstrate the government's recognition of the need for systemic change and stronger legal protections.

???? New Information ????

1️⃣ Implicit Bias and Its Impact: Implicit biases perpetuate discrimination against individuals of African and African Ancestry, leading to disparities in opportunities, representation, and treatment.

2️⃣ Intersectionality and Dual Discrimination: Neurodivergent and Disabled African and African Ancestry individuals face not only racial bias but also the challenges associated with their neurodivergent or disabled identity. Addressing these intersections of discrimination is crucial for comprehensive solutions.

3️⃣ Role of Education and Awareness: Incorporating educational initiatives promoting cultural competency, empathy, and understanding can effectively challenge biases and foster inclusivity, leading to meaningful change in attitudes and behaviors.

???? Measuring Impact and Outcomes ????

To measure short, medium, and long-term impact and outcomes, we can track changes in workplace culture, policies, and representation. We can also use surveys and data analysis to assess changes in attitudes, behaviors, and the experiences of Neurodivergent and Disabled African and African Ancestry individuals. By monitoring progress, we can ensure that our collaborative solutions make a genuine difference.

???? Collaborative Solutions ????

1️⃣ Inclusive Policy Development: Establishing a collaborative task force can lead to developing inclusive policies that address structural inequality, including measures such as ethnic minority pay and working conditions reporting, improved healthcare access, and the appointment of a Windrush commissioner as well as disability leads.

2️⃣ Empowering Voices and Representation: Political parties need to amplify the voices and experiences of Neurodivergent and Disabled African and African Ancestry individuals through platforms that offer visibility and influence. This can be achieved through economic empowerment programs, leadership development initiatives, and ensuring diverse representation within decision-making bodies.

3️⃣ Addressing Bias in Third Sector Funding: Implementing blind recruitment or funding and commissioning processes and promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership positions can combat discriminatory practices within organisations.

4️⃣ Cultural Sensitivity Training: Implementing cultural sensitivity training to foster understanding of different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, emphasizing respect, empathy, and inclusivity in all interactions.

???? Invitation to Collaborative Discussion ????

To address deep-rooted structural inequality faced by Neurodivergent and Disabled individuals of African and African Ancestry, we invite Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, along with representatives of these marginalized communities and organisations, to a disabled community meeting. Let's engage in a collaborative dialogue to identify and overcome barriers, develop comprehensive solutions, and create a more inclusive and harmonious United Kingdom Government.

???? Let's Challenge Bias and Foster Genuine Bottom-up and Top-Down approaches in our Interactions ????

Let's work together to create a better future for all. #agoodunionuk #CollaborationForChange #gratitude

Download the attachment (Redefining “Anti-Black Bias”.
What’s Lost in Translation and The Disability Justice Community Call for 
Collaborative Transformation and Structural Reform) for the full article.

Email: equality@blackmajor.onmicrosoft.com