From Juneteenth to inclusion: lessons in audience empowerment

As we gathered to celebrate Juneteenth earlier this week, the day commemorating the emancipation of the last enslaved people in Texas, we find ourselves transported to June 19, 1865. This was the day when Major General Gordon Granger delivered the liberating news that the Civil War had ended, and the institution of slavery was no more. This important occasion marks a remarkable turning point in American history, an absolute pivot towards freedom and equality.

The echo of this historical event ripples through time. It provides a poignant lesson on empowerment. This lesson still serves as a guide for modern professionals, especially those who speak, teach, or lead, to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for their audience members. The narrative of Juneteenth is not just a tale of freedom. It’s a tale of ongoing liberation that keeps unraveling.

Imagine a speaking professional; let’s call her Lisa. As a woman who believes in creating inclusive spaces, Lisa finds the tale of Juneteenth insightful. She recognizes that Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of emancipation; it’s a testimony to the power of knowledge and empowerment, the very tools she uses to reach her audience.

A story of empowerment that continues to unfold

Like the announcement of Major General Granger in 1865, our friend Lisa aims to use her platform to enlighten, empower, and provoke change. She understands the critical need to foster an environment where all audience members feel heard, seen, and valued.

Lisa knows that inclusivity isn’t just about diversity. Inviting individuals of different backgrounds, races, or abilities to the space is critical, but it’s not enough! Indeed, she feels that true inclusivity involves valuing these differences, actively seeking to understand diverse perspectives, and creating an atmosphere of belonging.

In her speaking engagements, Lisa adopts a “nothing about us, without us” philosophy. This approach implies that no policy should be decided by any representative without the full and direct participation of members of the group(s) affected by that policy. Audience members living with disabilities are a perfect example of such groups. Her idea aligns perfectly with the principles embodied by Juneteenth. The importance of personal autonomy. The right to self-determination. The freedom to choose.

So, how does Lisa translate the lessons of empowerment from Juneteenth into her work as a speaker, to ensure an inclusive environment for her audience? Lisa begins by proactively making her content accessible to all. Understanding that each person absorbs information differently, she diligently provides materials in a range of formats. For instance, she offers written transcripts for those who prefer to read, uses vibrant and clear visual aids for those who learn visually, and includes audio descriptions for individuals who might rely on auditory information.

Lisa also puts in the effort to incorporate the principles of universal design into her presentations. For example, she ensures that her slides are colour contrasted for easy readability, avoids using jargon, and delivers her talk in simple, clear language that everyone can understand, regardless of their professional or educational
background.

Her focus on inclusivity doesn’t end at creating accessible content. Lisa actively promotes participation from her audience. She allocates time for a Q&A session after her presentations, and she uses open-ended questions to stimulate thoughtful dialogue. By creating an environment where everyone feels safe and encouraged to speak up, Lisa fosters a sense of community and shared ownership.

In smaller groups, she might even use activities like breakout sessions to allow for more intimate conversations and active participation. Empathy forms the backbone of Lisa’s approach to inclusion. She is fully aware that she can’t possibly grasp the entirety of her audience members’ experiences or challenges. But you better believe that she’ll try anyway, making a point to listen actively and ask thoughtful questions to better understand their perspectives.

For instance, in a workshop on productivity, instead of assuming everyone struggles with time management, she might start by asking participants about their personal challenges. This allows her to tailor her content to the specific needs and lived experiences of her audience members. By displaying such empathy, Lisa builds trust with her audience and reduces any potential barriers to inclusion, paving the way for a more meaningful connection and interaction.

Through these strategies and practices, Lisa brings to life the principles embodied by Juneteenth, creating a space that respects, values, and includes all voices. By doing so, she empowers her audience, yes. But she also underscores the importance of continual learning and growth in the journey towards inclusivity and equality.

Through these steps, Lisa creates an inclusive environment that empowers her audience members, just as the news delivered by Major General Granger empowered the last enslaved people in Texas.

A captivity of the mind and spirit

As we reflect on Juneteenth, we are again reminded of the feelings of freedom experienced on that historic day ofJune 19, 1865, when the last of the enslaved people in Texas heard the liberating proclamation. Their shackles, though physical, symbolized a much deeper bondage — a captivity of the mind and spirit. The news that day was more than an announcement; it was a door opening, releasing a surge of human potential that had been constrained. It was a testament to the exhilaration of freedom. The freedom to act independently. To express oneself without fear. To fully participate in society.

Drawing from this rich historical tapestry, let’s introduce a metaphor to better √understand our journey towards creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Picture a garden, full of diverse, vibrant flowers. Each flower represents an individual in society, each with their unique abilities, experiences, and perspectives. In the past, the garden was segregated, with some flowers receiving more sunlight and care, while others were relegated to the shadows, their potential undernourished.

The end of slavery, symbolized by Juneteenth, was akin to a gardener realizing the need for all flowers to receive an equal share of sunlight, water, and care. A recognition that every flower, no matter its origin or type, is entitled to blooming in its own unique way. The celebration of Juneteenth represents this gardener’s new commitment to inclusion, ensuring every flower in the garden is cared for and respected for its individual beauty.

My goal here is not to draw direct and unsavoury parallels between the historical atrocities endured by Black slaves and the challenges faced by people with disabilities or other marginalized communities. Rather, it is to establish parallels between the empowering sentiment people feel when seen, heard, and recognized as an equal participant in society.

When Lisa stands at the podium, she sees herself as this gardener, tending to her audience’s needs. Her “garden” is a diverse mix of individuals where each one has its unique set of abilities, expectations, and lived experiences. She sees it as her responsibility to ensure that every “flower” can access the sunlight, meaning she must create an environment where each one can flourish.

Lisa encourages each participant, each “flower”, to bloom in their own personal way. She invites questions, fosters dialogue, and creates a safe space where all can participate and contribute freely. Her environment encourages every “flower” to express its unique colours, providing the freedom to be independent and to act without fear of exclusion, stigma, or marginalization.

Through the lens of empathy, Lisa ensures that no “flower” is left in the shadows. By actively listening, learning, and modifying her strategies to meet each participant’s unique needs, she ensures that every “flower” has the opportunity to bloom authentically, instead of having to conform to an environment that may not cater to its individual and personal needs.

The powerful force of freedom

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we are reminded of the powerful force that freedom is. The freedom to be heard and to participate fully. The freedom to express oneself and be recognized for one’s unique abilities and potential. Like the gardener tending to her garden, how can we ensure that everyone in our “garden” enjoys the freedom and empowerment to fully participate and express their unique colours?

It’s a question that invites reflection, spurs growth, and guides us in our continuous journey to create spaces that truly echo the spirit of Juneteenth. Spaces that value, respect, and empower all individuals to flourish in their own unique ways.

What I was reminded this year is that to me, Juneteenth serves as a guide. A guide that teaches us the critical importance of inclusivity and empowerment. A guide that prompts us to question our practices. To challenge our implicit biases. To strive for equity.

Reflecting on the powerful legacy of Juneteenth, take a moment, if you will, to ponder on the following: in what ways are you promoting inclusivity and empowerment in your work and daily life? This isn’t just a casual question, but rather, a powerful call for introspection, learning, and growth, making sure our spaces genuinely mirror the values of freedom and equality that Juneteenth stands for.