Participants at the 30th Annual Diversity Lecture Series at Grand Rapids Community College.
Grand Rapids Community College recently hosted its 30th Annual Diversity Lecture Series, featuring keynote speaker Ovell Barbee Jr. The event emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, showcasing performances and discussions on creating equitable workplaces. Barbee shared insights on his mission for inclusivity and the pressing need for action in diversity initiatives, highlighting local challenges faced by the community. The series continues with upcoming speakers focused on fostering dialogue and awareness.
In a vibrant celebration of ideas, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) recently held its 30th Annual Diversity Lecture Series on February 20, featuring the inspiring Ovell Barbee Jr. as the keynote speaker. Known for his work in human resources and for owning Ovell Rome & Associates, Barbee brought a wealth of experience and an infectious passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion to the stage.
Barbee’s dedication to creating more inclusive workplaces is not just a career; it’s a mission. He is also the author of the thought-provoking book, “The Big House: A Human-Centered & Progressive Approach to DEI and Positive Workplace Engagement.” His passion for fostering a sense of belonging resonates deeply within communities striving for equality. The evening kicked off with an inspiring performance by GRCC student Kanejia Conner, who set the tone by reciting two original poems, “Dear America” and “Black Girl Magic.” Through her words, she tackled issues like cultural appropriation and oppression, making it clear that art can be a powerful tool for social commentary.
Jamillya Hardley, the Director of the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs, opened the event with a heartfelt introduction. She referenced the legacy of Bob and Aleicia Woodrick, who worked tirelessly to combat racism and push for equality in Grand Rapids. This foundation sets a significant backdrop for the ongoing discussions about diversity in the community.
As Barbee took the stage, he wove a narrative around themes of resilience and legacy. Drawing from his experiences as a Chief Diversity Officer at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, he shared how his small team confronted challenges head-on while advocating for the necessary resources to promote equity. Understanding that real change requires collaboration, Barbee co-founded the West Michigan Diversity Round Table, which acts as a space for community members to exchange ideas and drive meaningful dialogue.
Throughout his talk, Barbee skillfully engaged the audience, inviting them to share their thoughts on current events and the power of language. He emphasized the importance of choosing words that either uplift or hinder the progress of diversity initiatives. Using the word “merit” as a foundation, he created acronyms to highlight essential values: Mission, Excellence, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. These principles are vital for fostering an inclusive environment.
Barbee didn’t shy away from presenting some hard-hitting statistics that summarized the current state of diversity in leadership roles. He pointed out that, by 2024, only 1.6% of Fortune 500 companies are expected to have Black CEOs, despite Black Americans constituting 14.4% of the U.S. population. Moreover, women are anticipated to hold only 29% of C-suite roles, with women of color represented at a meager 7% rate. Adding local context, Barbee highlighted the struggle faced by more than 60% of Black households in Grand Rapids, who find it challenging to meet basic living expenses.
As his engaging talk reached its finale, Barbee encouraged the audience to take tangible actions, emphasizing that meaningful progress often takes time. His message was clear: fostering a culture of humanity and compassion during these challenging times is essential. The event, part of an enriching lecture series, will continue with Robin Wall Kimmerer slated to speak on March 20. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pick up free copies of Kimmerer’s recognized book, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.” The upcoming lecture is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at GRCC’s Applied Technology Center.
As the community comes together to reflect on diversity and inclusion, events like this serve as vital reminders of the journey ahead. With passionate voices leading the way, hope springs eternal.
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