Beyond Thoughts and Prayers
By Matthew C. Whitaker, Ph.D.
"Inspiring, Achieving and Celebrating Inclusion"
"Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-26)
"It is time to put action to our faith and prayer," argues Kim Potter, of A New Thing Ministries. "We can, and should, let our voices be heard by those who have the power to do something about our concerns. Write letters to our government and leaders. Call their office. Vote [for necessary public policy changes] righteously. We can make a change by putting action to our prayers. It doesn’t take anger or violence, only godly action."
We can also act by being proactive, not reactive, in our homes and workplaces. Is anti-racist education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, a part of your personal and professional life? If it is not, it should be. Since the racist, gruesome, and unjust murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and the ensuing national unrest, Diamond Strategies has become something of an "essential business." While we are honored to be of service, we do not want to see our nation in flames, nor do we want to see our clients in peril. So, please be proactive leaders in the movement to educate and liberate our society from the clutches of systemic racism and inequity. Let us help you inoculate your environments against micro-aggressions, racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, interpersonal and intercultural communication trauma, and lack of trust. We help build healthy, cohesive, and productive spaces, that can grow and adapt to our rapidly changing society. Let us hear from you today.
Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker is the Founder and CEO of the Diamond Strategies. He is also the AGC Collectors of Arizona 2020 Frederick Douglass Equity and Justice Award winner, and the 2016 Arizona Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA) Diversity and Inclusion Leader Award winner. Whitaker is a decorated educator, author, community engagement specialist, motivational speaker, and founding director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion at Brophy College Preparatory, and the founder of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, winner of the 2014 DLA Inclusive Workplace Award, at Arizona State University. He can be followed on Twitter at @Dr_Whitaker and DSC can be followed on Twitter at @dstategiesllc.
Images: Keyvan Shovir, Clarion Alley, Mission District, San Francisco, 2020; 2) iStock; 3) Matthew C. Whitaker.
Diamond Strategies consultants are distinguished and globally experienced diversity and inclusion experts, offering services to schools, non-profits, corporations, faith-based organizations, municipalities, and community groups.
Our mission is to be your partner in a larger effort to maximize our human and institutional potential. Questions? Contact us here: Diamond Strategies or call us at 480-252-0639. Photos: iStock.