Having been labelled a rolling stone quite a few times in my past, I am compelled to recall that I have had the opportunity to live, study, and work across three continents. In that span of time, I have carried, in some of my experiences, the unspoken default tag—“colored minority/black/African.” I have found that there is a real distinction out there, between black and African. And, these classifications are many times accompanied with the burden of stereotype reckoning, about one’s work or non-work aptitude and/or proclivities.
I once read a comment about being unable to “be one’s true self in the workplace” and this phrase and the message it carries, continuously resonates with me powerfully—particularly on the mental wellness aspect that accompanies this sad, but real situation.
For me, there are no tangible limits to the dimensions around being oneself in a healthy and inclusive workplace. I am passionately driven to always be my best self in my workplace, and I will apply myself towards the materialization of the goal of achieving that inclusive workplace environment where all persons can be themselves without inhibitions. Let me add that my passion is vividly reflected in this flipped quote from George Orwell’s satirical allegory Animal Farm, “All animals are equal, BUT none, may be more equal than others, in that inclusive work environment.”