The Anti-Racist Organization: Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace

by Shereen Daniels

The Anti-Racist Organization: Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace is an insight into systemic racism baked into business structures, policies and procedures. It's an incite to change. Shereen Daniel's woven personal experience, historical fact, legal proceedings, her HR insight and quantitative analysis into a book that enables business leaders to change their workplace practices through her tried and tested bespoke Models. This essential book will address:

How diversity and inclusion initiatives haven't yet solved the problem How to use language as a tool to dismantle racism How to recognise the problem and analyze for impact And how to empower for change The book is brutally honest but gives the knowledge and the tools required to make transformative change and advance racial equity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Anti Racist

ebook

Published May 10, 2022

Reviews

[Phil Dutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the company book club. I didn't realize it was part of a DE&I initiative until shortly I joined the book club discussions. At first, I was skeptical, but the deeper I got into it the more relevance it gained with me. This book resonated well with me for the insight it has given me as I try to understand the Black experience - in the workplace, and in society. As an old(er) white male, i understand I have 'unearned' privilege. There is the dilemma of an 'undoing' - a 'reconciliation' with Black America that needs to happen. Not that there are other places and races we need to understand better (and reconcile past history - past wrongs), but keep the focus - this is a book about the Black experience - in this case primarily dealing with the workplace. Not just glass ceilings -although that certainly is a component, that would be a gross mischaracterization - but with the whole culture that we have created - or that we have adopted and now live with (comfortable for whiteness and uncomfortable/intolerable for Blackness) - and the dilemma of 'unwinding' and 'resolving' the complicated and uncomfortable issues that exist.

I learned a great deal from this book - and if I thought my eyes were 'colorblind' before, they are now wide(r) open and receptive to the 'listening', 'understanding' that is needed - and the actions that we need to take to advance the process of reconciliation (at least in the workplace).

And it is validating to understand that the company chose this book - as it (at least now) appears to be an effort to begin - or at least advance that change.

Thank you Shereen Daniels.

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished reading a book that left a lasting impression on me. The content was thought-provoking and insightful, and it prompted me to reevaluate some of my own perspectives.

While I found the book to be enlightening overall, I did have some reservations about its descriptions of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). As someone who works in this field, I struggled with the portrayal of D&I as potentially homogenising individuals into categorized "others." However, I acknowledge that the author's lived experience and professional opinions.

One aspect of the book that particularly resonated with me was the model created by the authors business. It was intriguing to assess where my own organisation fits within this framework.

My main concern, though, is that while the book is crucial for leaders, executive leadership teams, and board members to read, these are often the very individuals resistant to change. How can we drive meaningful change without their support? Many of these decision-makers claim to support D&I initiatives but fail to actively engage in learning or demonstrate allyship in their actions.

Despite these reservations I found the book to be well-written, engaging, and filled with valuable insights. I firmly believe that it holds something of value for everyone. However, my concern remains that these important perspectives need to reach the hands of those in positions of power and influence, particularly those who may not readily identify with the experiences and perspectives discussed in the book. And while I'm sure they could re-evaluate their perspective if they read it, how do we get them to do so?

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for both employers and employees to start on the path to dismantle the racism in their organizations and to employ anti- racist policies. I will certainly be using this in my future leadership roles.

[Bernadette Turkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone, employer and employee alike. This forced me to reflect on the actions I’d been taking thus far and truly questioning whether they were transformative. Although at times it made for uncomfortable reading, that is vital towards making progress.

[Lu Castello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practical and clear book.

Particularly advised for white people who have never approached CRT and in general racist systems and white Fragility.

Great for leaders as this will inform your actions and be a better leader using the practical chapter.

[Gette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that is probably not being read by the intended audience unfortunately.

Rating system:
5 - Absolutely loved it!
4 - Enjoyed it / Interesting read
3 - Good / It was okay
2 - Could be better / Wasn’t that interesting
1 - Why did this even get published?

[Nathan Brant · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter where you and your organization are on the journey, this book can help you frame your current position and identify next steps. A great read on a challenging topic.

[Carolyn Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crucial and timely read, that holds up a mirror to the rush of responses made in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, which 2+ years later have not lived up to their promises. Shereen writes honestly and powerfully, and in a way that really asks you as the reader to confront your role, your power and your privilege. Importantly, she doesn’t ask the reader to go anywhere she isn’t willing to go herself. I’ll be re-reading this for years to come