By Dr. Jennifer R. Joe and Dr. Wendy K. Smith, University of Delaware — The Conversation US — 2 February 2021
Research interviewing five successful Black professionals and the mostly white allies who were instrumental to their careers yielded three key findings. First, the strongest support came from genuine reciprocal relationships where allies recognised talent, not pity — and benefited themselves from the relationship. Second, avoiding uncomfortable conversations can impede upward mobility; honest feedback, though difficult, strengthened relationships. Third, making efforts to connect outside of work — closing the “psychological distance” that separates people along racial lines — allowed relationships to flourish and stereotypes to diminish. The research suggests addressing institutional racism requires systematic interventions, but also something simpler: genuine relationships.