#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: Ending Workforce Discrimination is Up to Us

NNPA NEWSWIRE — During my tenure at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), it became clear to me that access was the foundation of economic opportunity. The transportation sector lacked diversity, equity and inclusion, and this was glaringly obvious to both leadership and employees. Pathways began to emerge to grow a diverse pool of talent, but it was obvious that a more organizational framework was needed to operate at full capacity to best serve veterans, women, underrepresented, and underserved workers; groups that had been previously overlooked.

Published

5 years ago

March 8, 2020

Oakland Post

(Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

Dwayne Sampson is the Founder and President of the Transportation Diversity Council.

By Dwayne Sampson, Founder and President of the Transportation Diversity Council

Workforce discrimination exists because we often fail to disengage from our own biases. In every industry and in every sector, headlines glaringly reflect on the grievances of the 21st century workforce: gender pay inequity, racial discrimination and ageism. All act as adversarial realities in the fight for economic opportunity and equality.

Advocacy against discriminatory practices could not be more prescient today as far as working men and women are concerned. Today, the American worker faces many challenges as more corporations corrode the promises of a democracy and global competition strips them of a decent living wage. The playing field is not level and the absence of diversity is central in preserving the status quo of systemic discrimination.

During my tenure at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), it became clear to me that access was the foundation of economic opportunity. The transportation sector lacked diversity, equity and inclusion, and this was glaringly obvious to both leadership and employees. Pathways began to emerge to grow a diverse pool of talent, but it was obvious that a more organizational framework was needed to operate at full capacity to best serve veterans, women, underrepresented, and underserved workers; groups that had been previously overlooked.

The urgency to transform the pipeline of professionals in my field to deter workforce discrimination led me to create the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) in 2010 in New York. The big idea welded together community partnerships with transportation agencies and businesses—to merge the demands and needs of a sector with individuals who were hungry to work. The lucrative sector had room for a creative repositioning to benefit companies and workers, and this called for dedicated and purposeful action.

Bronx Design and Construction Academy was born in 2011 as a key partner to TDC thanks to the NYC Mayor’s Office and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein. The program set in motion a unique environment of workforce development for underserved students curious about the transportation and construction sector. I’ve had the privilege to invite students from diverse backgrounds and thanks to our quality staff, we’ve given hope and have produced life-changing outcomes to a wide range of students, including low-income, DACA recipients, and international youth.

Today, TDC is also making cross-country strides and demonstrating its workforce development model in key geographies. Local engagement in communities like Anniston, Alabama, is one of TDC’s markers of success with New Flyer of America, the largest transit bus manufacturer in the states.

In various regions, we have been able to help formerly incarcerated workers, like Jason Webster, have a shot at turning their life around. Previously behind bars for 16 years, Jason’s rocky beginnings did not prevent him from a New Flyer career, which kickstarted with programmatic TDC offerings in emotional intelligence, financial health and specialized training. Preparing America’s workforce towards the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion in our industries requires a holistic program that is based on empathy, confidence-building, guidance and workforce retention.

Partners, like New Flyer, understand that we need to disengage from old biases, and live up to levelling that playing field by working arduously for equal opportunity for the most disenfranchised worker—there are thousands of individuals like Jason across the United States just waiting to have that one chance to triumph and excel after unimaginable hardship. We are here for them. We hope to build upon our success stories where mentoring, work readiness, life skills training and support, all factor in to help a worker get their foot in the door to contribute to society.

Throughout 2020, and as we continue to think about what we can do to empower others, I encourage all entrepreneurs and business owners to reconfigure their talent pipeline to equitably account for diversity. Exposure to opportunity is indeed everything for the American worker. It is the foundation for a democracy and a change agent when it comes to truly closing the door on discrimination.

Dwayne Sampson is the Founder and President of the Transportation Diversity Council.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

FILM REVIEW: Burden

Don't Miss

Report: Companies Owned by Women of Color Account for 89 Percent of All New Women-Owned Businesses

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org