Eugene Covington III
USA

In business, building strong relationships is the most important thing. Finding common ground is the first step down the path to a good relationship. This first step is often a challenge because many older white males have had very limited interactions with black men (most of them have been negative). This usually leads to one of two awkward outcomes. One, they try too hard to show that they can relate by either talking about their one black friend or misuse Ebonics. Or two, they awkwardly begin the silent treatment and talk around you. Both are equally annoying because they prolong the process of truly establishing the common ground. As a black man, having to be the constant spokesperson for the race can wear on you.

Over the years I’ve learned to embrace this because like any disadvantage it can quickly become an advantage if you change your perspective. I have learned that it’s ok to be the “Token” as long as I can use it for a greater good. I regularly put white males at ease by explaining things about black culture they may not understand. Like everything the cost to them for that information is I ask for support & resources for the community service activities I champion. This ultimately is a win-win situation because underprivileged children gain need resources and wealthy white men business men get to dispel the stereotype that they don’t care about minorities.