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"We know that disparities exist and we don't fix them, which is a system of racism." The only way to correct systemic racism is to put a system in place that addresses it. Michael Harriot takes on the naysayers who claim systemic racism isn't real by providing several examples throughout the American education system, criminal justice system, and more that prove that it is. 

From being called the N-word as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader in the pursuit of racial equality and justice, Randal Pinkett's very personal story is a testament to courage and resilience. Yet, despite his success, Randal still faces an unexpected challenge: convincing organizations to embrace the power of race to drive meaningful change.

After 30 years in business, Randal Pinkett, a trained computer scientist and DEI expert, faced an ironic twist of fate when an acquisitions editor at his publisher challenges him to confront his own deeply held beliefs and write a book on Data Driven DEI, forcing him to embark on a journey to change the people, and ultimately the organizations, around him.

Are you frustrated with trying to improve DEI in your organization, only to be met with stagnant results? Discover how to break through the status quo by leveraging data-driven solutions, targeted universalism strategies, meaningful conversations about race, and effective leadership to cultivate real change.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Randal Pinkett's personal journey as a young Black man impacted by racism that led him to become a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

• Harness data-driven tools to effectively measure diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• What it means to apply targeted universalism strategies to fight systemic racism and promote equality.

• Navigate challenging racial conversations for constructive and positive outcomes.

• Comprehend the critical role of leadership in cultivating inclusive work environments.

• Investigate the effects of social media echo chambers on society and individuals.

00:02 - Introduction,
Simma Lieberman introduces the podcast and the guest, Dr. Randall Pinkett, who is an entrepreneur, innovator, and DEI expert. She also talks about the purpose of the podcast, which is to have comfortable conversations about race between people of different races.

02:47 - About Randall Pinkett and Data Driven DEI, 
Randall Pinkett talks about his background, growing up as a Black person in a predominantly White neighborhood, and his experience of racism at a young age. He also discusses his book, Data Driven DEI which focuses on personal and organizational assessments to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

08:10 - People Change,
Randall Pinkett emphasizes that organizations don't change, people do. He explains that for any organization to transform, individuals must undertake a personal journey of self-reflection and growth. He also talks about the importance of targeting his book towards everyday people, who want to foster more diverse relationships and inclusive behaviors.

09:10 - Randall Pinkett's Entrepreneurial Journey,
How his entrepreneurial journey,  began at the age of 21 when he started a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training company with three other Black men. He talks about his desire to make a difference in the world and how he centered his company on addressing societal issues as an outgrowth of his lived experiences.

14:30 - Making a Difference in the World,
College years in the 1990s, a time when hip hop was coming of age, and there were growing conversations around black consciousness and black economic empowerment. He and his business partners wanted to make a difference in the world and  they used their entrepreneurial spirit to address societal issues.

16:26 - The Importance of Giving Back,
How growing up in a religious household and being a man of faith has taught him to use his talents and gifts to benefit others. Randal Pinkett believes that success is what you do for yourself, while greatness is what you do for others.

18:20 - The Importance of Addressing Racism in DEI,
Pinkett highlights that race is a key identifier when looking at differences in how people experience the world. He stresses the need to assess ourselves for racial biases and preferences and to address them head-on, as they are often the most challenging and polarizing factors in DEI conversations.

24:39 - Taking a Nuanced Approach to Inclusion,
Pinkett discusses the importance of breaking down data by different demographic identifiers when assessing inclusion in organizations. He stresses that averages can obscure the experiences of subgroups and that it's critical to identify and address the needs of those who are not being included.

29:36 - The Importance of Seeking Diverse Perspectives, seeking out diverse perspectives when working on DEI initiatives. Being a narrow expert in one dimension can create blind spots and prevent the development of effective solutions. To achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and seek growth through diverse perspectives.

31:13 - Overcoming Divisiveness in DEI,
Pinkett acknowledges that the current political climate has seen an unfortunate mischaracterization of DEI as a divisive movement. He stresses that DEI is actually a countercultural movement that seeks to promote equity and inclusion for all, and that we must work to overcome divisive rhetoric and bridge divides in order to achieve progress.

31:53 - The Importance of Speaking Up,
Randal Pinkett emphasizes that it is important to speak up when someone says something wrong or offensive. He believes that people have a responsibility to help others see their mistakes and learn from them. He also discusses the idea of targeted universalism and how it can help achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

36:11 - Overcoming Personal Biases,
Randal Pinkett talks about his greatest challenge in the DEI space, which was being an American from the Northeast. He shares how studying at Oxford and being exposed to different cultures helped him overcome his biases and gain a fuller appreciation for diversity.

39:12 - Dispelling Myths about Racial Equality,
Randal Pinkett discusses the myth that remaining silent is better than speaking out about issues of race and racism. He also talks about the myth that individuals are the problem when it comes to racism, rather than the systems and institutions that allow racism to persist.

43:26 - The Four Dimensions of Racism,
Randal Pinkett explains the four dimensions of racism: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic. He emphasizes the importance of addressing institutional and systemic racism in addition to personal and interpersonal racism to develop comprehensive solutions.

45:57 - The Myth of Colorblindness,
Randal Pinkett challenges the myth that being colorblind is the gold standard for seeing other people. He explains that denying someone's race, gender, or disability status can lead to treating them unfairly and that individuation, seeing people as individuals, is a better approach.


47:41 - Music Playlist,

49:28 - Relevant Films and Documentaries,


51:48 - Randall Pinkett's Books,

54:08 - Building Bridges,
Pinkett urges people to get out of their communities of the like-minded and build bridges to connect with people of different backgrounds and ideologies to save democracy. He emphasizes that bridge-building is crucial for connecting neighborhoods, communities, and people who would otherwise be disconnected.

Guests Bio 

Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author and scholar, and as a leading voice for his generation in business and technology. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of his fifth venture, BCT Partners, a multimillion-dollar research, consulting, training, technology, and analytics firm headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.

He is also the first Black person to win "The Apprentice" in 2005.

In addition, he has appeared numerous times on networks such as MSNBC, CNN, and Fox Business News as an expert on topics ranging from business and politics to diversity and inclusion to technology and innovation. 

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with me:
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YouTube
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Website

Previous Episodes

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"The Supreme Court just said, y'all doing it wrong but they didn't fix it." It's been 69 years since The Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka deciding that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision is considered a cornerstone of the civil rights movement but was it really justice? Michael Harriot shares history about the landmark decision you've likely never heard and explains that while it was significant it didn't go far enough.

"They are fighting against telling the truth. They are fighting to teach kids lies." In the conclusion of this three-part series, Michael Harriot calls out the lawmakers and racist Americans who are pushing the false CRT narrative that is not rooted in historical fact.

"They say critical race theory means America is a racist country. It doens't mean that." As Michael Harriot's series explaining the two CRTs continues, he introduces you to the man we have to thank for the recent CRT movement that is based on lies. He'll explain Christopher Rufo's agenda to rebrand critical race theory and how he's managed to convince dozens of states to follow his lead.

In part 2 of this conversation on race, former police chiefs Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander, continue to address the problem of systemic racism in law enforcement, how it has impacted them personally and offer solutions. This is a deeply honest and open conversation on race, racism and the criminal justice system from two former senior police officers.

Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement and How to End It

 As a Black police officer in Texas, Mike Alexander faced not only bias, prejudice and racism from his White peers but also from some of the communities he served. 

Ed Cronin shares what it was like for him as a white police officer when he became aware of the systemic racism in the department and its impact on the communities he served. Hear his story of how he developed empathy and connection.

By carrying out open and honest conversations about race and racism, it's possible to find approaches that can contribute to a more just and understanding future. In the episode, Ed Cronin discusses his initial assumptions that police officers would be compassionate and empathetic, only to learn about the corruption present in the force. He believes that his own experiences of trauma and violence resonate with the Black community's experience.

Across the world, systemic racism exists in law enforcement and impacts the fair application of law and order. It's essential to recognize and address this persistent problem to create an equitable environment for people of all races and backgrounds. Acknowledging and being aware of systemic racism helps individuals understand and empathize with the experiences of those disproportionately affected by this phenomenon. In Part 2, of Cops Against Systemic Racism, Mike and Ed envision the changes that are possible in the police department to dismantle systemic racism and make a difference in low-income and non-white communities.

After listening to this episode, you will be able to:

· Understand the impact of systemic racism on law enforcement practices.

· Discover the pivotal role of community-focused policing in building trust.

· Learn the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and bias training in police work.

· See the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusivity in police departments.

· Explore how technology can advance transparency and work toward positive reform.

• Gain new insights and envision how a police force can serve communities and dismantle systemic racism

The key moments in this episode are:

04:48 - The Police are Doing What  Some of the Public Wants Them to Do, While Other Members of the Public are Harassed and Mistreated,

08:19 - The Problem with Bias in Law Enforcement, 

16:30 - Solutions to Address Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement, 

19:30 - The Role of Psychological Safety, 

43:00 - Showing Empathy and Lack of Empathy. 
Lessons in Power, Police and Community

46:28 - Neighborhood Architecture and Systemic Racism, 

48:05 - Building Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Community 

Guests Bio

Ed Cronin has worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years. His career includes experience as a Police Chief in two cities in Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree in Criminal Justice Management along with an advanced graduate degree in Organizational Development and Systems Thinking from Suffolk University. He is also a certified executive coach. (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching)

Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in training and leadership coaching, a specialty that began and flourished during his 38-year career in law enforcement and has defined the years following his retirement from service. Through the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the thirty-six (36) Regional Community Policing Institute, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, he has traveled the nation training officers and community members on ethics and integrity. 

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Previous Episodes

"What most people are upset about is not Critical Race Theory, it's CRT." Did you know that CRT and critical race theory are not the same thing? Michael Harriot, who studied critical race theory, is here to drown out the noise and stick to the facts. In this three-part series, he'll explain the difference between the two theories and why one is something that was manufactured by white people. 

"If some people get to exercise a right freely and in any way that they want, and other people can't, then it's not a right. It's a way to discriminate." The laws and "rights" of Americans are not created or enforced equally. Michael Harriot uses examples to prove why many freedoms white Americans have only apply to them.

"Everybody is a person of color, white is a color." Michael Harriot explains why he doesn't like the term "people of color." It's a phrase we hear often these days, likely meant to be politically correct but in reality, it's centered around whiteness. 

"It's not just white people; it's conservatives; they are the Dr. Frankenstein in this analogy." Society can't agree on much but we can all agree that monsters aren't real, they're fiction that's created. Michael Harriot tackles some of the biggest arguments used by conservatives pointing out that they're just monsters, fictitious theories made up to scare us. 

"The cryptocurrency of whiteness is declining in value." Much like cryptocurrency, Michael Harriot explains that whiteness has been mined out of nothing yet is extremely valuable. 

You want to listen to this conversation on race with former police chiefs, Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander about the problem and of systemic racism in law enforcement and the solutions to end it.

In this two part podcast episode, Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander, two police officers with vastly different backgrounds, strive to bridge the immense divide between the awareness of systemic racism in law enforcement, and the reality of it through honest conversations and courageous leadership.

Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement and How to End It

Mike Alexander shares his story of being a Black police officer and the struggles he faced with biases and prejudices from his White peers. Both guests agree about the presence of systemic racism within law enforcement, with Mike recognizing the operating system perpetuating this in the force.

By carrying out open and honest conversations about race and racism, it's possible to find approaches that can contribute to a more just and understanding future. In the episode, Ed Cronin discusses his initial assumptions that police officers would be compassionate and empathetic, only to learn about the corruption present in the force. He believes that his own experiences of trauma and violence resonate with the Black community's experience.

Across the world, systemic racism exists in law enforcement and impacts the fair application of law and order. It's essential to recognize and address this persistent problem to create an equitable environment for people of all races and backgrounds. Acknowledging and being aware of systemic racism helps individuals understand and empathize with the experiences of those disproportionately affected by this phenomenon.

After listening to this episode, you will be able to:

· Understand the impact of systemic racism on law enforcement practices.

· Discover the pivotal role of community-focused policing in building trust.

· Learn the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and bias training in police work.

· See the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusivity in police departments.

· Explore how technology can advance transparency and work toward positive reform.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:31 - Mike Alexander's background and experience as a Black police officer and then a police-chief in Texas

00:08:01 - Ed Cronin's background and experience as a White police officer and police-chief in Massachusetts and how he developed an awareness of racism in the police-department

00:11:44 - Different Forms of Leadership

00:17:22 - Finding Empowerment and Overcoming Experiences

00:18:03 - Becoming a Police Officer

00:24:31 - Dealing with Racism as a Black Police Officer

00:27:57 - Addressing Micro Issues to Mitigate Macro Issues

00:30:41 - The Potential and Struggle of Law Enforcement

00:34:54 - Overcoming Addiction and Learning About the Problem

00:37:19 - Racism is Real and Needs to Be Addressed

00:40:16 - One Hand Tied Behind the Back When Addressing Injustice, Racism and Bias in the Police Department

00:43:31 - The System of  Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement

Guest Bio

Ed Cronin has worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years. His career includes experience as a Police Chief in two cities in Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree in Criminal Justice Management along with an advanced graduate degree in Organizational Development and Systems Thinking from Suffolk University. He is also a certified executive coach. (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching)

Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in training and leadership coaching, a specialty that began and flourished during his 38-year career in law enforcement and has defined the years following his retirement from service. Through the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the thirty-six (36) Regional Community Policing Institute, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, he has traveled the nation training officers and community members on ethics and integrity. 

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.”

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Previous Episodes

Joel A Davis Brown: Challenging Norms & Exploring Queer Leadership in an Unpredictable World

"Black excellence has as much to do with the supremacy of whiteness as it has to do with the excellence of Blackness." Michael Harriot talks about the few Black billionaires in America to dismantle the argument that if one Black person is successful then oppression no longer exists.