THIS IS A PR PITCH BY KIKE ONIWINDE AGORO, FOUNDER & CEO OF BLACK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (BYP). ALL CLAIMS ARE AGORO’S.

All images shot during BYP Leadership Summits held in New York and Atlanta, May 2023

In the vast array of human abilities, talents, and perspectives, the contributions of Black professionals have mainly been undervalued or overlooked. Their remarkable achievements and unique insights have the power to transform industries, foster innovation, and enrich our collective experiences. As we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, BYP (Black Young Professionals) Network has consistently championed the advancement of Black professionals across various industries. We are dedicated to dismantling obstacles and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our community, consisting of over 150,000 Black professionals and allies across our platforms and channels, continuously enjoy the advantages of employment opportunities, skills development, networking, and more. By striving to remove barriers, we aim to create a space where the potential of Black professionals can thrive and flourish.

Revelation and Awakening

Growing up, I felt something was amiss, but it wasn’t until I turned 23 that I fully realized the challenges faced by the Black community in the UK and beyond. Recognizing my own privileges, I understood that others who looked like me were not as fortunate. The saying, “We have to work twice as hard to get half as far,” resonated deeply with me as I witnessed the disparities in education, employment, and opportunities that Black individuals face. On top of this, seeing other races be presented with similar opportunities, because they either knew someone, or went to private school, or just frankly had a rite of passage, became a common occurrence to witness. In the education system, Black students are three times more likely to be excluded than White students, less likely to be accepted into Russell Group Universities, or even obtain a 2.1 and above. Exclusions feed into the criminal justice system, with Black people being nine times more likely to go to jail than their white counterparts and making up 12% of the prison population despite being 3% of the UK population. Black (and minority ethnic) people have to apply for 80% more job roles just to get a positive response and are also twice as likely to be unemployed than their white counterparts. I felt these statistics in real life.

Redefining Success

To bridge the diversity gap, we must challenge and redefine our conventional notions of success. Success should encompass the diverse talents and achievements found within the Black professional community, ranging from doctors and writers to interns starting their careers. Expanding our understanding of success unlocks opportunities for diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and transformative contributions that reshape industries and society.

Within the Black professional community lies immense untapped potential across sectors. By creating inclusive environments with equal growth opportunities, we empower Black professionals to achieve unprecedented success. Despite efforts to prioritise diversity, talent parity remains elusive. According to a report by McKinsey at participating companies, Black employees make up 14 per cent of the workforce but hold only 7 per cent of managerial positions. Representation at higher levels is limited to 4 to 5 per cent. It is estimated to take around 95 years for talent parity to be achieved across all levels in the private sector.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted actions to overcome systemic barriers. Superficial commitments to diversity are not enough. We must address biases and structural obstacles that hinder the progress of Black professionals. By doing so, we unlock their full potential and create a more equitable professional landscape.

Nurturing Talent through Support

Nurturing talent goes beyond removing barriers; it requires active support and mentorship. Mentorship programs, both formal and informal, can connect aspiring Black professionals with experienced industry leaders who can guide, inspire, and advocate for their growth. Access to resources, training programs, and networking opportunities creates an ecosystem that fosters and accelerates talent development.

Perceiving a shortage of highly skilled Black professionals as an excuse for exclusionary behaviour which perpetuates structural racism and limits suitable candidates to marginalized careers. The goal of initiatives like BYP Network is to drive significant change by amplifying the voices of Black candidates through their network. The mission of BYP Network is to prioritize inclusive recruitment, forming partnerships, leveraging existing networks, and showcasing the abundant talent within the Black community. Our aim is to shatter glass ceilings within corporations through disruptive strategies. The network serves as a framework to highlight and expose the availability of Black talent, ultimately bringing about transformative change in corporate environments.

Driving Change through Collaboration and “Javelin”

Bridging the diversity gap requires collaboration among individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. It demands a steadfast commitment to dismantling systemic biases, fostering inclusive practices, and actively promoting the talents of Black professionals. By working together, we can challenge existing structures, reshape narratives, and create a more equitable and diverse professional landscape.

To drive change and empower Black professionals, we initiated a transformative effort called “Javelin.” The name itself holds deep significance, inspired by my athletic journey, as a javelin thrower for Great Britain. It represents the concept of propelling oneself from one point to another in a career or life with strength, speed, and dynamism, overcoming obstacles and systemic oppression.

As a dedicated TalentTech scaleup committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we have consistently championed the advancement of Black professionals across various industries. With the launch of Javelin, our cutting-edge platform, we offer a powerful tool that empowers Black talent, connecting them with curated opportunities from our esteemed global corporate partners. These opportunities encompass jobs, mentorship, events, and tailored resources designed to support their career goals and drive their success.

Also, through collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders such as Cisco and Capco, we have successfully reached hundreds of Black professionals in Atlanta and New York, positively impacting their lives and advancing our mission. These collaborations serve as a testament to the power of collective action and demonstrate how organizations can join forces to drive meaningful change.

By harnessing the potential of Javelin, we strive to create lasting change and build a more inclusive professional landscape. Together, through collaboration and initiatives like Javelin, we can empower Black professionals, break down barriers, and foster a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are the norm.

Conclusion

At BYP, our mission is to foster an inclusive and equitable future for Black professionals by redefining the concept of success and providing dedicated support. We believe in bridging the diversity gap by nurturing talent through comprehensive assistance and actively collaborating to dismantle systemic barriers.

To address these critical challenges, we developed Javelin, a platform that enables us to work alongside valuable partners worldwide. This strategic alliance empowers us to further our mission of cultivating a more inclusive work environment for Black professionals on a global scale.