Editor’s note: Lisa D. Dance is UX designer and founder, ServiceEase, a customer experience consultancy, Richmond, Va. This is an edited version of a piece that originally appeared under the title, “What can you do? What should you do?” 

I’m not a street protester. No judgment, it’s just not my way. Maybe not yours, either. Besides denouncing police brutality, supporting racial justice organizations, donating money and voting, what else can you do? What should you do? As a Black woman in America, I have felt an insidious vulnerability in the last few years because of the clear support of racism messaged down from our president and have felt powerless to stop it.

But, as a natural problem-solver and a person who needs optimism, I wanted to offer concrete ways to make meaningful change in the areas that I know best: work, business and user experience. In this blog, I’m offering steps for individuals and companies – specifically within the insights industry – who want to correct the unequal and unjust ways we interact and do business. 

  1. Stop repeating the myth that hard work is the only way success is achieved in America. Inherited wealth; neighborhood redlining creating inferior schools; legacy admissions to colleges and universities; and employee referral networks are just some of the ways that perpetuate privilege whether you work hard or not.
  2. Stop using hiring for “cultural fit” or conflating “diversity of thought” as synonymous with your legal and moral responsibility to not discriminate on the basis of race or skin color. There’s nothing wrong with the pipeline; it’s where and how you feed it.
  3. Stop policing Black people at work. Their hair, clothes and conversations do not need monitoring. They are capable professionals. Prejudice shouldn’t be their constant companion.
  4. Stop allowing other employees to police their Black coworkers. Question why the tone, attitude and work of Black employees are being disproportionately scrutinized. Investigate and discipline the offender... don’t excuse away this behavior.
  5. Stop designing products that Black people have to pay for and use, but you haven't included any Black people in your research to understand their needs. Stop designing flawed products just because you can.
  6. Stop making “product decisions for the many” in rooms full of people who look alike and have similar life experiences. Ask, “Who’s not here?” and hire to resolve knowledge gaps.
  7. Stop the “move fast and break things” mantra. Vulnerable people get mowed down first when you start breaking things.
  8. Stop advocating unchecked technology that exacerbates racism and discrimination. There’s nothing cool about AI that harms people.
  9. Stop shopping with and doing business with companies that discriminate. Don’t slide back when the bad publicity is over. They haven’t changed.
  10. Stop consuming and advertising on channels and media platforms that discriminate, misinform and malign. Use your time and dollars for good.
  11. Demonstrate inclusive leadership. Different life experiences provide perspectives and ideas that are intelligent, valuable and necessary.
  12. Support Black-owned businesses as a customer and a business partner. There are many talented and creative Black-owned businesses. Take the time to find them.

These words and ideas are my own. The responsibility to make positive change is ours.