BlackNorth Initiative and BCG release racial equity playbook
BlackNorth Initiative, a non-profit focused on eliminating anti-Black systemic barriers, has in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) launched a Racial Equity Playbook to help corporate Canada advance racial equity.
The comprehensive resource guide is available to all organizations – providing actions that employers in Canada can take to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive in their business practices. The playbook includes a list of tools and tactics organizations can use, as well as resources from BlackNorth to support their equity journey.
“The BlackNorth Initiative is focused on the creation and delivery of meaningful programming and tools that will help companies fulfill their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals and meaningfully support Black Canadians and other demographics disadvantaged by systemic racism,” said Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, executive director of the BlackNorth Initiative. “The Racial Equity Playbook was developed to do just that; to take the guesswork out of the equation and provide organizations with real, tangible steps to take toward racial equity.”
Only 39% of Black Canadians believe their organization has the right mechanisms to ensure major promotion decisions are free of bias, according to a 2019 BCG survey.
The playbook’s recommended actions to advance corporate equity include: building an inclusive pipeline and equitable hiring process; eliminating like-for-like pay gaps; creating a diverse supplier network; including minority groups through a diverse portfolio and brand; and supporting organizations driving racial equity through contributions, action, and communication.
“BCG is extremely proud to partner with BNI in helping fulfill its mission of ending anti-Black systemic racism in Canada. We are excited about the launch of the Racial Equity Playbook, which will enable corporate Canada to take concrete actions towards racial equity and be part of the solution,” said Daniel Shadd, managing director and Partner, BCG Toronto.
BCG in 2020 launched a revamped DEI program, which includes $100 million in pro bono talent resources and donations over five years to leading organizations addressing racial inequality in the US, accelerated representation of Black BCGers, a more diverse supplier network, and improved reporting.
Based in Boston, the Big Three management consulting firm has more than 22,000 people globally and revenues of $8.6 billion.
