Changes

The LLMC journey engaging with the subject of DEI did not conclude there. Wrapping up the two-week conversation, human rights advocate and co-founder of the first Black employee network in the federal government, Richard Sharpe, delivered a powerful and transformative masterclass titled “Black in the Matrix: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The masterclass reflected on institutional racism in Canada, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Sharpe explained that the systems we are all part of were put into place by the founding fathers and were constructed on white supremacist ideology.

The LLMC journey engaging with the subject of DEI did not conclude there. Wrapping up the two-week conversation, human rights advocate and co-founder of the first Black employee network in the federal government, Richard Sharpe, delivered a powerful and transformative masterclass titled “Black in the Matrix: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The masterclass reflected on institutional racism in Canada, particularly in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. Sharpe explained that the systems we are all part of were put into place by the founding fathers and were constructed on white supremacist ideology.

Sharpe offered the audience a set of prescriptions for undertaking DEI work and showing true allyship. These prescriptions included self-educating on the histories and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people, listening to Black voices, creating safe spaces for racialized and marginalised members, and embodying the principle of Black inclusion, to name a few. On this note, Sharpe invited members to become allies and co-conspirators in support of Black lives.

Sharpe offered the audience a set of prescriptions for undertaking DEI work and showing true allyship. These prescriptions included self-educating on the histories and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and racialized people, listening to Black voices, creating safe spaces for racialized and marginalised members, and embodying the principle of Black inclusion, to name a few. On this note, Sharpe invited members to become allies and co-conspirators in support of Black lives.

One key takeaway from the masterclass is Sharpe’s remarks on the role of leadership in the work of anti-racist liberation. In his words, “Leaders that take on this work must overcome the fear of dealing with the hard and complex reality of racism and the fear of making mistakes while addressing it.” These words underscore one of the LLMC program’s core mandates of empowering leaders to undertake the courageous work of transgressing racial and institutional barriers. As suggested by one LLMC member, “The LLMC community evidences the fact that we, as members of society and the public service, are coming together to do the work.” Indeed, members continued to show up, despite the challenges of the contemporary social climate, exemplifying tenacity, courage, and dedication to being part of the transformation of the Federal Public Service.

One key takeaway from the masterclass is Sharpe’s remarks on the role of leadership in the work of anti-racist liberation. In his words, “Leaders that take on this work must overcome the fear of dealing with the hard and complex reality of racism and the fear of making mistakes while addressing it.” These words underscore one of the LLMC program’s core mandates of empowering leaders to undertake the courageous work of transgressing racial and institutional barriers. As suggested by one LLMC member, “The LLMC community evidences the fact that we, as members of society and the public service, are coming together to do the work.” Indeed, members continued to show up, despite the challenges of the contemporary social climate, exemplifying tenacity, courage, and dedication to being part of the transformation of the Federal Public Service.