My New Year's Letter to Young Men: Find Purpose in Employment

Derek Rhodes • January 25, 2024

It's not just about a job. It's about stepping into our power and rewriting the narrative of our lives.

Hey, my brothers! It's Derek Rhodes, back again to try to fuel your fire. Today, I want to talk about something that's often overlooked but holds immense power in shaping our lives: employment. Yeah, I know, you might be thinking, "Geez, Derek, what's the big deal about a job?" Well, hear me out, because I've seen the transformation it can bring to our community, especially for young Black men like us.


Let's get real for a moment. We face a unique set of challenges. Systemic inequalities, generational trauma, and societal stigmas can feel like a suffocating weight on our shoulders. But guess what? We are not defined by these circumstances. We have the power to flip the script and create a future that defies expectations. And one crucial tool in our arsenal for success and fulfillment is employment. Now, I'm not saying that a job alone will magically solve all our problems. It's a complex journey, and we have to address the root causes of inequality. But let me tell you why employment is a cornerstone of our growth, purpose, and ultimate success.


First, a job provides us with a sense of purpose. When we dedicate our time and energy towards something meaningful, we tap into a wellspring of personal satisfaction. It's not just about the paycheck; it's about knowing that our contribution is making a difference in the world. Whether it's creating art, building bridges, or serving our community, each of us has unique talents and skills to offer. Finding a job that aligns with our passions and values lights a fire within us, propelling us towards our highest potential.


Second, employment grants us financial autonomy. Let's face it, my brothers – money matters. It opens doors, breaks chains, and amplifies our voices. When we have the means to support ourselves and our loved ones, we gain the freedom to dream bigger and create lasting change. Financial stability is not just about material possessions; it's about having a seat at the table of influence and making decisions that shape our communities. We deserve to become architects of our own future, and a good job can help build that foundation.But it's not just about the individual. When young Black men thrive in the workplace, our whole community benefits. Our successes shift perceptions, break stereotypes, and inspire those who come after us. Our presence in the workforce challenges the status quo and paves the way for a more inclusive society. We become agents of change, reshaping narratives and rewriting the rules. By finding purpose in our jobs, we create a ripple effect that spreads far beyond our immediate surroundings.


So, let's seize the opportunity to build careers that empower us and our community. Let's challenge the statistics that say we're destined to fail. It won't be an easy journey, but together, we can overcome any obstacle. Seek out mentors who have walked the path before you, network with like-minded individuals, and never underestimate the power of believing in yourself.


Remember, it's not just about a job. It's about stepping into our power and rewriting the narrative of our lives. It's about showing the world that we are more than the stereotypes they place upon us. It's about shifting the conversation from surviving to thriving.


So, let's dream bigger, reach higher, and create a future that's built on purpose and fulfillment. Our community deserves nothing less. Together, we can rewrite the script and inspire generations to come. Believe in yourself, my brothers, because I believe in you. Stay strong, keep pushing, and never stop striving for greatness.


In solidarity,
Derek Rhodes

By Derek Rhodes November 8, 2024
Stable employment is more than a paycheck—it’s a catalyst for healthier, more resilient communities. Learn why investing in job access is essential for community well-being and how organizations like Durham Success Summit are leading the way in creating impactful workforce development programs.
By Derek Rhodes June 26, 2023
Our strategy is shifting because that's what our youth need .
By Derek Rhodes April 18, 2023
The Status Quo According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , Black men have the lowest labor force participation and employment rates among men. Even when Black workers are able to penetrate into the work force, you see less and less of us as you climb the corporate ladder. Of the Fortune 500 CEO spots, only 6 are held by Black men (a “record” recently set .) A quote from Valerie Wilson , director of the Economic Policy Institute’s program on race, ethnicity, and the economy, sums up why this is such an important and disparaging fact. “Black workers, on average, are not being hired, promoted or paid according to what would signal their level of productivity based on their experience or their education. It absolutely impacts everything. It impacts your family’s economic security.” But it’s not only a desire to correct this systemic issue that should lead organizations to focus on seeking out more Black talent for their ranks. As it turns out, diversity in the workplace is actually an advantage when it comes to performance. According to Mckinsey , companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35 percent more likely to have financial returns over their industry’s medians. In other words, more diverse companies tend to outperform competitors. Additionally, diverse companies are 70% more likely to be aware of (and capture) new markets according to HBR , and diverse management teams generate 19% higher revenue (as per BCG ). These are all the “why’s” of why it’s important and advantageous for business owners to correct for long-standing racial imbalances in the workplace. Now let’s get into the how. Recruiting & Retaining Black Talent When you commit to recruiting Black talent for your organization, there are some “gold-standard” rules that to keep in mind. 1. Paying a living wage, not minimum wage. According to MIT’s research , the living wage in the United States in 2019 was $16.54 for a family of four, far above the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. And that was before the pandemic and inflation. Attitudes have shifted across the United States. Between the Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting , employees are less willing to put up with subpar conditions and payment. Consider all the obstacles facing Black talent in the workforce, and how awareness of societal failures is only increasing. It’s highly unlikely that a Black worker is going to stick around if they don’t feel like they’re getting fairly compensated for their efforts. 2. Remove Other Barriers: Childcare, transportation, internet/equipment, more. One sometimes-overlooked aspect of the inequality facing Black talent is access to equipment or services that are often taken for-granted. For example, teleworking (working from home via Zoom, laptops, and other tech) boomed during the pandemic, but after the fact statistics showed that Hispanic and Black workers were 50% less likely to telework regularly compared to White workers ( CDC ). An easy way to avoid making this sort of mistake that might disqualify high-quality talent is by providing equipment and services (or at least making it known you’re open to doing so). 3) Connect them with another high-level Black male employee (OR an organization like Durham Success Summit). Another way to improve your retention of Black male employees is to immediately put them in contact with other Black male employees in your company, particularly those that are working at a higher level. Beyond providing them with an immediate role model for what success at your company might look like, this will allow both parties to discuss how your company handles delicate issues about and around race. 4) Check in regularly. Help make Black talent more comfortable at your company by checking on how they’re doing, ensuring that they’re adjusting, and seeing what you could do on your side to make their experience smoother. It’s possible that your company culture could be an adjustment for them, so checking in will help them understand that you’re at least willing to make the effort. 5) Be clear, transparent, and know what you don't know At the end of the day, Black talent is molded in a world filled with obstacles. You’re not going to be as in tune with these as your Black employees, and that’s okay. Always be willing to learn and listen to the experience of those who live this. For example, our consultants at Durham Success Summit are all professional Black men succeeding in various industries and are committed to improving the presence of Black men in the workforce. If you’d like to commit to joining us in our mission, we’d love for you to partner with us to help diversify your talent pool the right way. Click here to learn more.
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