Free Black talent built America when the recruitment system included the mass kidnapping of continental Africans brought by force to the Americas in a long horrendous journey by boat called the Middle Passage. So, it is difficult to believe that, today in 2021, anyone in America could have difficulties finding Black talent, especially corporate America that can afford the most sophisticated human resources system in the world.
Black talent is everywhere, from the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Ivy Leagues or even community colleges.
If Black talent is not lacking? What is? The will to hire Black talent is! A major hurdle the New York Urban League (NYUL) should expect to face with its new Diversity & Inclusion Lab, an incubator for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Recruitment and Best Workplace Practices.
The Diversity & Inclusion Lab encourages collaboration, shared insights and builds a platform of diverse talent that members of the Diversity & Inclusion Lab can draw from for their own search via “NYUL CONNECT”.
Launch partners for the new Diversity & Inclusion Lab include Macy’s, JP Morgan Chase, Salesforce, The New York Yankees, New York Jets, Fidelis, Avalon Bay, Audacy and New York Power Authority. The companies will share career opportunities and other resources within the “NYUL CONNECT” portal following the early October soft launch.
“NYUL established the D&I Lab in response to calls from our existing and new supporters who requested assistance in achieving their diversity goals,” said Arva Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer, New York Urban League. “We are thrilled that this inaugural cohorts have come together to authentically work towards making their workplaces reflect their customer base. We know that the D&I Lab will provide concrete strategies and resources to help corporations reach their diversity goals.”
The New York Urban League (NYUL) is inviting anyone wishing to get involved or wanting more information about the platform to contact Sandra Garcia at SGarcia@nyul.org.
