Low representation of Black Canadians in Middle and Senior level positions

What is the cause of the low representation of Black Canadians in middle and senior-level positions?

Is the “lack of representation” a problem that is a microcosm of the issue of racism confronting black Canadians?

These are questions that Black Canadians in the workplace ponder and seek to figure out way out. The problem has been discussed, written about and researched. We talk about it all the time in social gatherings but don’t have answers to why. Of course, systemic racism is at the core of this. A lot of Africans immigrating to Canada are highly qualified in their professions and aspire to reach the top. The experience, however, is that getting senior-level position jobs is very tough. Instead, they remain stuck at a low level or less favourable positions that do not reflect their experience and qualifications.
The situation applies also to Black Canadians even those born here in Canada. Overall, Black Canadians continue to face serious disadvantages. They are less likely to have access to gratifying jobs in strategic management positions.

To help tackle the issue of racism in general within the Federal institutions and programs, the Federal Government set up a Secretariat to root out racism. The secretariat is part of a $45-million federal anti-racism effort, which also includes funding for programs run by community groups. There is universal recognition that systemic racism continues to affect most visible minorities in career growth.

On the lack of black Canadian representation in senior-level positions, the problem may not be addressed by programs like this. Although policies are developed to tackle racism in the workplace, the “passing over” of black people for promotion is more difficult to address. In the private sector, especially, there are no universal guidelines (if any exists) to tackle this. Businesses just handle their own different ways. And when you add different workplace cultures in the mix, it may not be apparent how this is been perpetuated in the workplace. Only black professionals understand clearly the dynamics of this problem and can conclude that it’s very prevalent in the private sector.

Former Independent MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes knows this and made efforts to create awareness. According to her, qualified Black Canadians are being passed over for promotions to senior positions in the federal government due to systemic racial barriers.

Celina Ceasar-Chavannes

Recommendations for Interactive Media Professionals

Does the interactive media industry, like other areas of the economy, also face the same persistent issues of the lack of black people representation in senior-level positions? I don’t think there is much difference in experience based on industry or profession.  Any solution will be applicable to Interactive media and all other industries.

What is the way forward for black professionals to achieve aspirations of senior-level or management positions in the interactive media industry?