Inclusion Unpacked: How to use Amanda Gorman's "The Hill we Climb" as a Blueprint for Allyship
Action items you can use from Amanda Gorman's powerful poem
Welcome to Inclusion Unpacked. Your weekly newsletter where we unpack diversity topics to help founders, community leaders, and managers better understand how to navigate the current climate.
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This Week We're Unpacking: Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, "The Hill we Climb"
This issue was difficult to write because Amanda has been covered in almost every major news outlet this past week. And rightfully so, at 22 she is a powerhouse and the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. If you haven't had the opportunity to hear her poem "The Hill we Climb," please take a moment to view her powerful performance here.
In addition to her moving words of change, she is a reminder that collectively, we have the opportunity to forge a new path forward no matter our age, background, disability, or gender. Together, we can improve how this nation has historically operated to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive world.
Because most of you are founders, community leaders, and managers, I thought about how this was relevant to you. I've broken down some of the lines from her poem with action items to use as you move forward in your fight for inclusivity and racial equality.
I’ve also shared these action items on my Instagram. Click here to share it with your community, then comment and let me know what action items you took today.
"…being American is more than a pride we inherit. It's the past we step into and how we repair it". We must acknowledge the deep wound that slavery left on America, which was never fully rectified. Because of this neglect, many Black Americans harbor mistrust and anger towards America and its systems.
Action Item: You must fully acknowledge the long-term effects that slavery has caused in America. Slavery stripped Black American's of their given names, religion, homes and, families. Many of us do not know our genealogy past our great-grandparents.
This destruction caused a deep wound that still exists in America. Understanding this at a profound level is the first step towards true allyship.
If Only we are Brave Enough to Be it. The work starts now, and you must be brave enough to show up as an ally in every space you occupy, even if you feel uncomfortable.
Action Items: Spend time discussing Amanda's poem with your team at work or with your community online. It's not too late. Allyship means you are actively engaging in conversation to dismantle systems of oppression.
Schedule it: Find time this week to explore what this poem means for you or what the inauguration means for you and your community.
“…Love Becomes our Legacy” The beauty of her poem is that it inspires hope. If we work to dismantle oppressive systems, we can be the generation known for drowning out hate and amplifying love as our legacy.
Action Items: Be intentional about how you show up in every space, especially online. Does your community know what you stand for? Why or why not? Do they know that you are actively working to dismantle oppressive systems? Let them know. Be vocal.
Love it!!