In a recent press article, a CEO leading a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing racial equity in tech reflects on the challenges facing Black and Latinx communities in the current political climate. The CEO recounts a conversation with their immigrant mother from Haiti, expressing concern over Kamala Harris’s chances of winning the Democratic presidential candidacy. While recognizing the importance of representation, the CEO emphasizes the need for leaders who are committed to creating lasting systemic change and dismantling structural barriers.
The CEO highlights the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action, corporate and political divestment in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, as well as the ongoing partnership between the US and Israel in the oppression of Palestinians. They stress that simply having Black faces in high places will not save marginalized communities and calls for a focus on eradicating white supremacy at its roots.
Drawing on their mother’s values of community care, respect for all individuals, and commitment to social justice, the CEO underscores the importance of relational politics and human-centered leadership over solely representational politics. They argue that true racial justice will require a revolution in the tech industry, challenging systems of oppression, and creating technologies that affirm human life.
As the upcoming presidential election approaches, the CEO encourages a harm reduction approach to voting while emphasizing the need for collective action, labor power, and a legal strategy to transform governance. They assert that true liberation will come from building strong relationships, creating support systems, and collectively working towards a more just and equitable world beyond the limitations of electoral politics.
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