“There are still many causes worth sacrificing for, so much
history yet to be made.” —Michelle Obama
A special day is becoming more recognised and celebrated
throughout the country. Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation
Day, Freedom Day and Black Independence Day. Even though this day has been
celebrated on June 19th in various parts of the country since 1865, not
everyone was aware. President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence
Day Act into law on June 17, 2021.
Because this day is now a federal holiday, many employers
demonstrate their commitment to the importance of racial and social justice in
the workplace. Many employers also made Juneteenth a paid holiday. There is a
movement in the work industry to create social changes to foster diverse and
inclusive workplaces.
According to S&P Global, the percentage of female
executives and officers in insurance business ranges from 15.6% to 45.5%. The
insurance carriers and related business has only 12.4% (as of 2019) of Black or
African Americans representing the industry. However, there is progress. In
2010, the percentage of Black or African American employees in the insurance
workforce was 9%.
There is a visible lack of diversity in insurance
leadership. One way to make a change is for executives to sponsor diverse
candidates for senior positions when they become available. Employers can also
offer opportunities for students from underrepresented communities to lay the
groundwork for long-term change.
Let Juneteenth be a reminder that diversity in the workplace
or in the insurance industry, is an opportunity to create changes and to
include everyone that has worked hard and deserves a leadership position
regardless of race or gender. Let’s create opportunities for everyone to rise
up based on their abilities. Let’s teach our children to be friends with
everybody without judgement.
“Struggle is a never-ending process. Freedom is never really
won, you earn it and win it in every generation.” —Coretta Scott King
No comments:
Post a Comment