Mindset

Grow together

Personality

Being you

Inequality is everyone’s problem, the more we speak out about inequality, the safer it becomes for all. Paying attention to unfair exclusion and undeserved inclusion is part of the transformation to an equal society. Do your part to make the world a better place; this can be asking questions and showing genuine interest. Listening is learning about solutions from people who are impacted by the problems.

Tap into the inherent power that we all have, but are not always aware of. All of us can make a difference for the better if we all focus more on how we act and think rather than waiting for someone else to make a change.

What can we do about the things we care about? Start with intention setting questions and journal your daily actions as essential aspects of mindful anti-racist practice in your everyday life. Think about what you want your legacy in life to be and track your journey. Be committed to giving to others with generosity. Anti-racism requires a conscious decision to pursue it as a goal and way of being. Intention brings mindful presence and awareness of what we say and do.

Recognise your role as a leader as someone that took action and made an impact, however small. We are also encouraged to let go of what no longer serves us or fits our viewpoint or morals.

Spread love

Intention setting

Be a leader

Multitudes

Refinery 29’s 29 Rooms installation, photo by Jake Michaels

What If Women Ruled the World by Judy Chicago

Work

Representation

There is great strength in storytelling; 30,000 years ago, we sat around a fire telling stories. It is more important than ever to continue this tradition of listening to each other. Crafting stories with ideas that flow and help lay the foundations for future generations. Storytelling allows us to shape and change our perceptions of future possibilities. Storytelling can help us visualise the new world we are trying to build.

We are at a point where it is possible to build value and equity on social media and turn this into something tangible. People are finding spaces that they feel comfortable creating from, and they have control and autonomy over. Create ideas that impact society or culture from your unique perspective. Be yourself; when you are authentic, people respond.

With the recent push for racial equality and insecurity fueled by a global pandemic, power struggles exacerbate workplace discrimination. The change will be painful before it endures. However, if your organisational structure allows for openness and diversity, you will deliver on potential. Deliberately focus on where the gap is; what can you do to close it? Bring others in and don’t shy away from the differences among us.

Women comprise 50% of the workforce but are still vastly underrepresented in senior leadership roles. When women hold at least 30% of executive positions, they will hit critical mass, and a culture shift will occur. During the pandemic, many of the leaders that gained global recognition for their handling of the COVID-19 crisis were female. The strengths associated with female leadership; being empathetic, collaborative and vulnerable helps gain the credit they deserve.

Storytelling

Use your voice

Build a space

Critical mass

Design to divest by Best Creative Studio

The cultural constitution of collective memory

NXTHVN Residents, space to uplift artists and curators of colour

Active

Strong together

The pandemic was preparation for the real fight, and the real battle is about hate. We need to form a human wall against racism; otherwise, there will be no community in the future, and we will not realise our true potential. Running clubs, hiking groups and dance collectives are coming together to take a stand against racism. By standing together and supporting each other, they are combining care and community.

Athletes have been using their platform and voices to bring light to social issues. Players have a platform where they can use their voice to tell their stories in an authentic way.

The need for more spaces, places and events organised for and by the LGBTQ and POC community is reflected in the worldwide renaissance of Ballroom culture. Since being in a house means being part of a family, the ballroom community has no problem checking in with each other.

From cooking together to bookclubs discussions, the community aspect of joining together is essential to raise awareness, share ideas and create support.

As the pandemic has continued, people have found innovative ways to get together. There have been dances of gratitude, dances with masks, and dances that connect to encourage people to dance their blues away. Art transcends all barriers and boundaries; there is no religion, age or colour, just the joy of rhythm. A pleasure that melds diversities and has the power to bring people together as one voice. Living rooms are becoming clubs thanks to live-streaming dance parties, and mindfulness is taking centre stage at dance therapy sessions on Zoom.

Activism

Together

Ballroom

Support

Anti Racist Running Club t-shirt by Run Trill

Emeka x House of Sain Laurent Europe, photo by Carolin Wendel

Ya No Estoy Aquí directed by Fernando Frías

Spending

Democratize access

When opportunities arise to provide support, financially and in other ways, these are times to express your best intentions and help move a generation forward by recycling money into black-owned businesses.

Someone with an abundance mindset believes in life’s generosity, whether that be time, money, better relationships, more resources, and opportunities. An abundance mindset leads to more creativity, more joy, increased happiness and a focus on gratitude and appreciation. Enhancing the lives of people around you benefits all. Be generous; there is enough to go around.

Financial resources are just one measure of an individual’s capital; while often viewed as essential, they are only part of a thriving individual or community. There are also many types of poverty: financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, lack of support systems, role models, and knowledge.

Systemic barriers prevent large cross-sections of our society from having access to opportunities. There are two billion people in the world that live outside the financial system. Making access to finance more democratic is not only about social responsibility; it is an ethical business model. Fintech should be the great democratiser.