2020!! And, it’s a wrap!! 2021 : Be Good!!

Hello, Diversity enthusiasts!

Its been a busy start to the festive season personally and professionally. I have been exceptionally busy with new DEI assignments. A lot has happened in continuation with regards to the heightened activity in the Inclusion and Diversity world in the last few months of the last year, notice how I am deliberately avoiding to mention 2020 :)  Definitely, Covid-19 (and, sadly so) continues to dominate the headlines across the globe which in turn has impacted the job market as well as the mental health of many people, young and old.

The most popular word of the last year was "Unprecedented" It is an adjective, that defines something or a situation as "never done or known before", "unparalleled", "unmatched". A really strong adjective that best describes the challenges we are living both at professional and personal fronts on so many levels. A lot of lessons learned during the year and the most important being knowing that the greatest gift we all have is not what we keep, it is the one we share. Last year brought many epiphanies too and one that stands out from the rest is also the belief that life is too short and unpredictable to do or continue doing what doesn't align with our life's purposes and values. 

Anyhow, Diversity won in 2020!!! The US elections were another piece of headline that has been vying for my attention. I am happy with the outcome, I can say that out loud. I adore this image of Madam Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first female and first VP of color in US presidential history, and absolutely love this powerful speech said during a lecture at Spelman College, recalling the motto that's guided her life:: "My mother would look at me and she’d say, 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last. That’s why breaking those barriers is worth it. As much as anything else, it is also to create that path for those who will come after us."

All I can say to her is Thank you, thank you for fighting for women and showing the young generation that they have hope and aspirations for the future Madam Vice-President-elect. Something wonderful happened in our world during this US Elections 2020. It had been quite gnarly, the US elections, to say the least, and it was combative, but it is truly beautiful how it turned out eventually. The world has been in turmoil in one way or the other, however, I strongly believe that individual and collective transformation happens in small, incremental steps. I understand that there are challenges ahead, but we go to sleep with a grateful heart  that things will begin to look up again.

Artwork by Bria Goeller. It shows Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and the silhouette of Ruby Bridges by Norman Rockwell  when she was walking to an all-white school, newly desegregated, escorted by four deputy US marshals in 1960


DIVERSITY ALWAYS WINS!!!

Image credits (Artwork by Bria Goeller: Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris and the silhouette of Ruby Bridges - by Norman Rockwell - when she was walking to an all-white school, newly desegregated, escorted by four deputy US marshals in 1960.)

Last year also saw massive support pouring in against racism as well as support against practically anything that didn't sound and seem inclusive. Humanity united. Although I have written extensively about #BlackLivesMatter, I was equally vocal about #TransLivesMatter and #TransWomenAreWomen. Hashtags like #ImWithSanna gave a tight slap to trolls and sexist backlash against the Finnish PM for wearing a black blazer with a plunging neckline and no blouse in a magazine spread. We are continuing to see the momentum of people across the world braving the pandemic and its many mutant variants and yet standing tall, calling out on the ills and challenging the status quo in a profound way. I also loved Queen Elizabeth's 2020 Christmas Speech speaking dearly of the spirit of unity and cheer during Christmas πŸŽ„ and the likeness of that bonhomie with Diwali πŸŽ†  Eid πŸŒ™ and other festivals of the world in the same breath. Her respect for Diversity, community, and all God's creations is heartening and so very reassuring. Obviously, there are many small and big wins and I have tried to bring forth most of it in my blog, my diversity mouthpiece. I am so glad that I continue to use this platform to talk about my most passionate subjects, mission, and vision: Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity. 


ONWARDS!


Amit Anand, Editor Diverse Customer enjoying a moment on a swing decorated with flowers and smiling ear to ear. Amit is wearing a white Tokidoki sweater and sky blue Topman jeans, celebrating the onset of January 2021.

↑ This is Me, Amit Anand, editor of Diverse Customer enjoying the end of last year :) 

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