For long I’ve wrestled with writing pieces of this blog, but the more logical side of my brain took over and stopped me. “This isn’t the platform for that,” my brain told me.

But now, the emotional side must take over and comment on recent events. As the only African-American blogger on Meatingplace’s faculty of industry bloggers, I feel it is my duty. I should note that I don’t say that to be critical of Meatingplace. I’m very thankful and grateful to have this opportunity to address all the readers out there. I say it more as it is the reality of the situation and here’s why:

As an African-American working in a predominately white industry, I’m keenly aware of my position — but are you? In many social settings and industry conferences, it’s plainly obvious that there are fewer of us versus them. And I believe the first step to change is the recognition of just that fact, but not by me or other African-Americans — we already know — but by you.

Once you notice that there is, in fact, a disparity, what can you do about it? Well, the simple answer I’ll offer is for you to hire more people representative of your diverse customer base into your business.

We often talk about the disparity of women at the top of the meat or agricultural businesses, but not about race. And that’s because like many Americans, race is uncomfortable; it gives us lumps in our throats, knots in our stomachs. But here’s the thing: The less we talk about it, the worse things get until we get to a tipping point. People wonder why there is such civil unrest right now, but it’s the culmination of years of injustices against black people that has reached it’s tipping point. While we’re all mentally exhausted anyway from being amid a global pandemic, we just couldn’t take another one — another murder.

So, let’s change. Let’s recognize the difference and talk about it. Talk about what we can do differently. One way it starts is with representation. One of the core reasons I put myself out there to start this blog is that I didn’t think there was enough representation among young people working in the meat industry on Meatingplace, and I knew there was likely a base out there that wanted to hear from others like myself, and I wanted to hear from them.

But, another one of those core reasons is that I thought I had a duty to be the change and put my face out there so that other African-Americans working in the meat industry could see that there were others out there with voices, and maybe quietly send the message that “you are not alone.” And guess what: It worked!

I have been so humbled and appreciative of all the warm messages and kind thoughts that I have received through comments on my blogs or via LinkedIn when others ask to connect. Messages like, “As one of the few black women in the Meat industry in such a visible place (Meatingplace.com), I just had to connect with you.” Or, “Love to see other women in color in the Agriculture space.” Or, “I was forwarded your recent write up on Meat-eating Millennials. I really enjoyed your perspective…” Or, “Saw your piece on Meatingplace and loved it! Thank you for writing and sharing it!”

So, THANK YOU all from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement. Especially to those members of other races who have so warmly embraced me and my ideas, and openly welcome dialogue, thoughts and opinions from us people of color. Please continue to stand with us, see us and embrace us, and let’s all do better.

Representation matters

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