Melencia J Consulting, LLC

Check out this passage from the 1903 text, the Souls of Black Folk, by sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois. “It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at oneself through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his two-ness, —an American, a Negro; two souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.”

This is the voice of the excluded. This passage is related specifically to the experience of being Black in America. However, the more I have reread this passage over the years, I have changed the words around a bit to explain the intersections of age, ability, income, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and so forth that may put us on the outside looking in.

In order to be inclusive, we need to lift the veil of exclusion, ignorance, and hate.  

There are a lot of folks and organizations that are talking about diversity, equity, social justice, and inclusion. It is a hot topic. Corporations are putting out public statements, flying flags, and celebrating difference in monthly silos. But unfortunately, we are not seeing a lot of action to change policy and practices to make a more inclusive space.

Here are three ways to help you do inclusivity.

1. Deconstruct your blind spots.
2. Construct an inclusive mindset.
3. Reconstruct your lifestyle with inclusivity in mind.