Join host Jennie Brooks as we explore the impact of what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy means to Alison Bragaw-Butler, Jameel Hakeem, and Tiffany Worthington—all members of Booz Allen's African American Network—their thoughts on where we are today in terms of racial equity, and how Dr. King continues to inform their work at Booz Allen and beyond.
Episode Guests (all Booz Allen employees):
Alison Bragaw-Butler is the Co-Chair of the African American Network (AAN) at Booz Allen, as well as a DEI Strategist
Jameel Hakeem is a Leader Scientist
Tiffany Worthington is the Special Events Chair for the AAN, and a Senior Consultant
Jennie Brooks:
Welcome to Booz Allen Hamilton's Unstoppable Together podcast, a series of stories that unite us and empower each of us to change the world. I'm Jennie Brooks with Booz Allen Hamilton and I'm passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please join me in conversation with the diverse group of thought leaders to explore what makes them and all of us unstoppable.
Hello everyone and welcome to the Unstoppable Together podcast. I'm Jennie Brooks, and today I'm excited to share the perspectives of three members of Booz Allen's African American Network, better known as AAN. In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we wanted to share their views on how Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy continues to inform the work they do at Booz Allen and beyond. According to the Pew Research Center, 59% of Black Americans say Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy has influenced their own views on racial equality, a great deal or a fair amount. 60% of those who are 50 and older said Dr. King has had a very positive impact, while 49% of Black Americans who are younger than 50 felt he had a very positive impact. This difference within the Black community surveyed might be explained by another finding by Pew, which found that about a third of Black Americans say the country hasn't made much progress or any progress at all on racial equality in the last 60 years.
While individual's opinions on Dr. King's legacy may vary, his legacy of service and contributions to the civil rights movement in America are undeniable. So to recognize and honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, we asked each of our guests to respond to the following questions. First, share a story about what Martin Luther King Jr. Day means to you. Second, what's your take on the racial equality progress we've made in the last 60 years? And third, how does Dr. King's legacy inform your work at Booz Allen or beyond? Each guest has recorded their responses to our questions. In this episode, you'll be hearing from Alison Bragaw-Butler, African American Network co-chair, and DE&I strategist. Jameel Hakeem, senior lead scientist, and Tiffany Worthington, special events chair for Booz Allen's African American Network, and a senior consultant at Booz Allen.
Alison Bragaw-Butler:
Hi everyone, this is Alison. What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to me? Martin Luther King Jr. Day presents such interesting juxtapositions. Over the years, I've engaged with people from all walks of life who express and experience MLK Day very differently. I have met some who use the day to catalyze the advancement of equitable outcomes for Black folks, and I've also met some who use the day to align themselves with ideology rooted in equity so long as the comfortability of non-Black folks remains intact. Others I have encountered use the day to continuously educate themselves about the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that aren't written in our textbooks and about the countless other Black activists who have been and are instrumental to the advancement of racial equity. I have also encountered some who know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave the I Have a Dream speech, and that is all they will ever care to know about him.
Some, as of recent especially, use the day as a day of service to serve their community in whatever way feeds their soul or in some cases their ego. How do all of these encounters give meaning to MLK Day for me? Well, it's the perfect example of how two things can be true at once. We owe great recognition to MLK and all civil rights activists for the progress made, and we have a long way to go. It means to me that I need to continue to critically interrogate myself and those around me to identify and dismantle the ways in which we contribute to systems of oppression, not just on MLK Day, but every day.
Jameel Hakeem:
Hi everyone, this is Jameel. What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to me? For me, Martin Luther King Jr. Day elicits a sense of dedication and not just remembering the man in historical figure, but also making an individual commitment to work towards his vision and not just on special occasions and holidays, but in our everyday interactions with people. While Dr. King's message was one of equality for all human beings, he also understood two very important things about our society. First, the fight for human equality was always meant to be a continuous and enduring effort. And secondly, the fight for equality requires dynamic changes to all aspects of our society, including education, economics, social programs, and even politics.
For me, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a reminder of his dedication to being a positive catalyst for change in our nation. The holiday serves as a reminder that as a member of this society, we all have a part to play when it comes to equality in our country. This means collectively acknowledging inequality and making a commitment to countering it. When I think about Dr. King, I can't ignore the fact that he dedicated his life to fighting for what he knew was right. As someone who's found a lot of guidance in the teaching of Dr. King, Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is a reminder we all have a part to play in the shaping of our society and that that responsibility is enduring.
Tiffany Worthington:
Hello everyone, this is Tiffany. What does Martin Luther King Jr. Day mean to me? Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a significant day to honor the legacy of a civil rights icon. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, justice, and the importance of advocating for positive social change. The day encourages reflection on the progress made, but more importantly, the work that still needs to be done in order to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Alison Bragaw-Butler:
Hi everyone, this is Alison. What is my take on the racial equity progress we've made in the last 60 years? It would take hours, days, or even weeks to discuss the progress of racial equity or in some cases the lack thereof over the last 60 years. Given a limited time, I'll say this. I don't have a one-size-fits-all take. The United States is a large, complex country with cultural nuances rooted in factors such as geography. For example, on a smaller scale, racial equity progress within even the same state, city, or company is nuanced. To be honest, I think therein lies is one of the greatest truths that there are some places that while not perfect have made substantial strides towards racial equity while others watch the progress and sometimes even claim the progress while making the active choice to stay the same.
Jameel Hakeem:
Hi everyone, it's Jameel. What's my take on the racial equity progress we've made in the last 60 years? Well, when I think of this subject, I think about the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the feeling of accomplishment that many in this nation felt. Through these celebratory feelings of elation, Dr. King was frequently vocal on the fact that it was imperative we not lose sight on the momentum achieved leading up to the passing of this landmark law. Dr. King once wrote in regards to oppression that waiting for an oppressor to grant freedom will never yield results. Rather, the oppressed must demand their freedom. At its foundation, the fight for equality in our country has evolved around people and organizations fighting for equal status, fighting for equal rights and opportunities. So when I'm asked about my thoughts on the progress of racial equity in our country, I find myself very mindful to not be so blindly optimistic that we lose the momentum needed to carry on the legacy and vision of Dr. King.
From my perspective, I'm hopeful when I hear some of the honest conversations being had on equality in our society. Uncomfortable conversations amongst diverse perspectives are essential, and it feels like a move in the right direction. It's easy to forget as we become generationally removed from the pre-Civil Rights Act society that it's harder to maintain that same dedication and vigilance Dr. King brought to this nation's consciousness, especially when the inequalities we face today aren't overtly systemic and in your face. This could be seen as a sign that we've progressed over the past 60 years, and I wouldn't disagree, but I don't think we can afford as a society to rest on our accomplishments. What Dr. King envisioned for America requires persistence. It requires an individual commitment to being better and perhaps even a bit of altruism. I do believe there are better days ahead of us as a society, but only if we're committed to being the change we want to see.
Tiffany Worthington:
Hello everyone, this is Tiffany. What's my take on the racial equity progress we've made in the last 60 years? Well, progress has been made and there is an increased awareness, but we are nowhere near where we should be. Challenges still remain, which means there's still a lot of work to be done to a tee through equality. Simply speaking up is crucial for addressing systemic issues and fostering inclusivity. There are so many gaps that touch areas such as education, employment, criminal justice, and even the rise of unethical healthcare encounters. Systemic biases, unequal opportunities, and discrimination continues to contribute to these disparities highlighting the need for continued efforts to address these gaps head-on. A multifaceted approach is the only way we'll be able to combat these issues. Promoting education and awareness to challenge this biases, implementing and enforcing anti-discrimination policies, fostering inclusive environments, and addressing systemic issues in areas by having open dialogue and active engagement from leadership is crucial for creating lasting change, but also fostering uncomfortable conversations with leadership and not tiptoeing around these disparities, but addressing these issues head-on.
Alison Bragaw-Butler:
Hi everyone, this is Alison. How does Dr. King's legacy inform my work at Booz Allen or beyond? Dr. King spoke truth to power, spoke with courage and with conviction. I will continue to speak truth to power by highlighting and encouraging the solutioning of racial equity challenges such as the continued lack of representation in positions of leadership. As I lean on the example of those such as Dr. King, I will continue to have the courage to ask the tough questions of my leaders and support others as they ask the tough questions of theirs.
Jameel Hakeem:
Hello everyone, it's Jameel. How does Dr. King's legacy inform my work at Booz Allen or beyond? I can remember as a child going on a field trip to Memphis, Tennessee. This trip consisted of visiting many of the sites Dr. King visited in his final days. I can remember going to the Mason's Temple, which was the church where Dr. King delivered his now-famous mountaintop speech, which was also his last sermon. And that same speech he mentioned seeing the promised land while also adding that he might not get there with everyone. It was almost as if he knew that the work that needed accomplishing was bigger than him as an individual. And really just thinking about it, it just gave me chills to see just how prophetic these words were. Understanding that our actions today will echo tomorrow is the part of his legacy that informs my work.
Understanding that equality is purposeful and pointed. It requires the adherence to the golden rule of do unto others as you would have them do unto you. As a service member, these core tenets allowed me to effectively lead a diverse array of people from different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and religions. It also allowed me to treat people with empathy and understanding. I learned to show kindness and maintain my humanity even while in the combat zone. I utilize the same philosophy to inform my work at Booz. I understand as a team, we're better if everyone has access to the same opportunities. People are willing to invest themselves if they feel they have equitable opportunities for progression and success. While I must admit this hasn't always been the case in my career, I see it as my duty to remove any barriers that I've already navigated, to make it easier for those who walk a similar path.
As I reflect on the impact that Dr. King has had on me, I can't help but think back to that class field trip. I remember the final day of the trip we visited the Lorraine Motel, which was where Dr. King was assassinated, and notably, it's now a Civil Rights Museum. I remember visiting the now infamous room 306, the room Dr. King was occupying at the same time of his death. I almost remember vividly how the room was preserved to be exactly how it was when Dr. King occupied it almost frozen in time. There were still dishes on the table from his morning coffee. There was still a newspaper from that day on his bed where he left it. This was the room of a person who knew they had so much to accomplish.
The bed he slept in was made up almost as if he knew the time he had to make an impact was finite. I believe that experience was so impactful for me on so many levels. It taught me the importance of taking action when able. It also taught me to work towards issues bigger than me as an individual, and in doing so, hopefully, I can be a positive influence and spread Dr. King's message to a new generation of leaders.
Tiffany Worthington:
Hello everyone, this is Tiffany. How does Dr. King's legacy inform my work at Booz Allen or beyond? The principles of equality, justice, and advocacy for positive social change embody, and Dr. King's legacy can serve as an inspiration for individuals and organizations. Applying these principles can contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment in various contexts, including workplace and beyond. Dr. King's legacy emphasizes the importance of advocating for justice, equality, and positive societal change. In a broader sense, incorporating these principles into various endeavors that can contribute to creating systems and applications that are fair, that are unbiased, and more importantly, that are inclusive.
It's a daily reminder to prioritize ethical considerations and address potential biases head-on in the work that we do. Because of Dr. King and the truth in which he spoke, I'm able to have a voice in spaces whereas as an African American woman I didn't once have. I'm able to continuously advocate and ask questions that need answers, where the gaps lie within Booz Allen and beyond as it affects underrepresented communities. And that truth, it will first address and acknowledge that yes, there is an issue, and two, that there are actions which we will take to ensure representation and to address these set issues. Words mean nothing without scale, measurable action, and change behind it. That voice, that determination, that forward movement and holding leadership accountable is what Dr. King's legacy is about, and to me as a woman and more importantly as a Black woman.
Jennie Brooks:
We hope you all have enjoyed this conversation, celebrating the impact and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Many thanks to each member of our African American Network for sharing their stories and perspectives. Thanks for listening. Visit careers.boozallen.com to learn how you can be unstoppable with Booz Allen. Be the future. Work with us. The world can't wait.