A white male’s view from the back of the bus of diversity & inclusion.

This is how Webster’s defines diversity: the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization - programs intended to promote diversity in schools.

When it comes to the bus of diversity and inclusion, you’re either on it or under it.  I guess it’s like being pregnant, it’s not something you can do half way.

If you’re a follower of diversity – that makes you a diversciple

What would diversity and inclusion look like if white men didn’t exist?

We live in a world where racism occurs daily, so when a minority cries racism when it doesn't exist, it causes race relations to take a step backwards. 

A commute on the Orange Line into Boston each morning is like a box of crayola crayons.  A wonderful blend of closely standing colors.  Now if we only get them to leave the doors open a little longer!   “Watch the closing doors, there’s another service train directly behind us.”  Ugh!

Larry Bird will always be better than Lebron James.

Before we stuff our faces with turkey, sweet potato pie, stuffing and cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving and collapse onto the couch to watch football, please take a moment to think about our Native American friends who suffered centuries ago and still do today.

To the president of Netflix – I’m so glad you’re not running my company.  And no, I’m not coming back!

If any of your children were LGBT could you really love them any less?  Or not support them 100%? 

Please don’t confuse being poor with being incapable.  It’s all about opportunity.

Inspiration is Matt Stutzman.  He is an aspiring Olympic archer.  He was also born without arms.

Talk about having influence.  Xernona Clayton inspired a Grand Dragon of the Klu Klux Klan to denounce and quit his hateful organization and was going to have him meet with Martin Luther King Jr. before his unfortunate assassination.

What if Dr. Conrad Murray were white?

I’m honored and proud to call Lovell Dyett, Jake Kennedy, Colette Phillips and Sara Ting friends.  They are true leaders of diversity and Boston is fortunate to have them!

Working mothers – you are simply amazing!    Single working moms – all I can say is wow!

Why do kids, especially black kids insist on using the ‘N’ word?

Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, looking like a fool with your pants on the ground.  Please pull up your pants!

Cross cultural friendships and mentoring.    Learn about/from people who are different and you’ll quickly realize how much you have in common.  It’s more about similarities than differences.

Step out of your comfort zone.  It’s like jogging in a pool.  You do it long enough that when you step out of the pool, you walk stronger and easier.

I just completed a class called ‘White People Challenging Racism’ at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.   I highly recommend it.

In order for Diversity & Inclusion to move forward, companies and families have to have uncomfortable but open and critical conversations.

Welfare, drugs, booze, gambling, laziness and a sense of entitlement is not a recipe for success.

NBA acts of courage – Rick Welts, the newly hired President & COO of the Golden State Warriors announcement that he is gay.   Jerry West, Hall of Famer and former Laker great who just became a consultant with the Warriors, and his revelation of his lifetime battle with depression.

Lack of courage – greedy NBA players and owners.  Please give us OUR game back!

I’m very proud that my daughters have been educated in Catholic schools. I’m not proud of the pedophile protectors in the Catholic Church.  Hope you enjoy your birthday Cardinal Law!

Occupy NStar and National Grid anyone?

As we depart, we have a special guest who would like to get on the bus of diversity & inclusion.  Of course, Ms. Parks, you may sit wherever you wish.  Please fasten your seatbelt.

Thanks for letting me share some of my thoughts.  I’m flawed and far from perfect but I care.

I welcome your feedback.