African Americans Need Businesses To Eliminate Recruitment Bias Now

By: Jennifer Magdalene

Businesses with diverse workforces bring in 19% more revenue than non-diverse organizations, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Despite this, African Americans are greatly unrepresented in the workplace and have a higher unemployment rate than any other group of people. It was recently reported that the pandemic has made it even harder for African American men to recover in the labor market. So, let’s find out why African Americans experience recruitment bias and how it can be prevented.

Discriminatory views

 African Americans are often seen as being less educated than white people. 67% of them say that they’ve been treated as though they’re not smart despite having completed at least some college. Businesses that think like this will naturally avoid hiring them. Many employers also discriminate against African Americans on the basis that they’re less reliable than other groups of workers. Those that are hired tend to be placed in unstable, lower-paying roles.

Changing the recruitment process with an interview panel

Shockingly, many organizations are biased and discriminatory in their hiring process. Dollar General is a well-known business that has previously been fined $6 million for failing to give African Americans the chance to work for them. There is a big need for businesses to overhaul their recruitment process. An effective way to do this is to introduce an interview panel. Interview panels are infrequently used because they take multiple people away from their main job roles. But by having a diverse interview panel with people from different departments, of different ages, and with different ethnic backgrounds, businesses reduce the likelihood of making biased hiring decisions.

Set criteria and stick to it

All businesses should set job criteria when advertising a role. This ensures that the right people apply for the job. When the interview process takes place and a job role is offered, interviewers must follow the criteria set. They mustn’t skip over a white candidate not having the relevant qualification and offer them the job. This is particularly important when an African American candidate does have the necessary qualification. Having a job criteria also makes it easier to onboard new employees. Personalized training can be given to successful candidates based on the criteria and their skills. It also makes it easier for employers to lay out important information from day one, including hours, expectations, and job benefits.

Have a non-bias job description

U.S. businesses are currently finding it tough to fill job posts. There are around 10 million job openings, yet African Americans are still not being considered for these roles. Often, this is because the job description is racially biased. A non-bias job description shows that businesses are open to introducing people of ethnic minorities to their company. Phrases such as ‘strong English skills’ and ‘must have neat hair’ are biased because they discriminate against African Americans whose first language may not be English and who may natively style their hair.

The workplace is often racially biased against African Americans. It’s time for organizations to change the way they recruit employees so that hard-working African Americans have the chance to shine.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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