Anti-blackness, surface-level diversity continues to matter

What Must We Do

Bibliographic Data

ID6058697
AuthorsMyrtle P Bell (0000-0002-5457-8698, The University of Texas at Arlington, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume39
Issue7
Pages749-759
Publication date2020-07-21
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEqual Opportunities International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1758-7093 • E-ISSN: 2040-7149
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/edi-06-2020-0160
OpenAlexW3045480348
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited48

Purpose This paper discusses the author's perceptions of anti-blackness, her research on “surface-level” diversity and her recommendations for faculty, administrators and allies. Design/methodology/approach The paper is a personal account, drawn from the author's background and experiences teaching and studying diversity. It discusses research on American Blacks' unique experiences with police violence and discrimination in employment, housing, customer service, healthcare and education consistent with anti-blackness. Findings Anti-blackness pervades Blacks' everyday experiences, including in academic institutions. Research limitations/implications This paper is a viewpoint paper. Researchers should study anti-blackness, looking specifically at Blacks' organizational and societal experiences. Practical implications The author provides suggestions for faculty regarding sharing their research findings, teaching about anti-blackness in diversity, human resources, organizational behavior, management and other courses along with mentoring doctoral students. Recommendations for administration to help ensure that Black faculty are hired, valued and supported are also provided. Social implications Efforts to identify, acknowledge and dismantle anti-blackness are critical to Blacks and are important to improving diversity, inclusion and equity in society. Originality/value This paper provides the author's perspective on anti-blackness, using her personal perceptions and experiences, coupled with research evidence. The author provides suggestions for faculty and administrators based on decades of research and experience in the field and being Black in an anti-black society

Originality · Pedagogy · Perception · Political science · Public relations · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Gender Diversity and Inequality · Higher Education Research Studies · Labor Movements and Unions · Psychology

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