Equity is a Verb journeys, moving the reader via narratives and voice to deepen how we grasp the very live dynamics of normalized institutional oppression, then transporting us to our current landscape, with case studies across industries of whats working?and whats not.Finally, it trains us with new practices, new milestones, new KPIs (Key Performance Indicator). The transformation occurs when the readers make up in their mind that no Black, brown, disabled, queer, immigrant, neurodivergent or othered community member should be left behind. The layering of principles, practices and production makes this a go-to for the newcomer to the impacted laborer to the seasoned practitioner. This book is built on the assumption that the reader has a role in improving our culture, and that no one specific title qualifies, or disqualifies, one to be a changemaker. It does, however, require one to see equity as a priority which requires intentional practices, hard decisions and an understanding of the tension between urgency and patience. The pains of this book include that at the times where the reader may want to get up and do something, the author may call for more pause and reflection before acting. Or the opposite, where the reader is challenged to demonstrate their awareness of a need for change versus being paralyzed by the enormity of the dysfunction. This book is also not an HR book (and will likely tackle why positioning this solely as a human resources conversation may be part of the problem); it requires a sum of its parts approach, with guidance on how ones position could help advance us towards equity?even if one doesnt always have traditional authority. And for those not used to hearing from Black voices as business culture leaders, there may be natural challenges in perspective, internal disagreement, and feelings of attack even. We need to address the issues of organizational bias, inequity, and lack of representation, and it begins with getting out of our own way. Having a strong equity-mindset is the new goal post of a leader. Equity is a Verb is the tool to help us understand why, and how one can practice this much needed leadership.

IFEOMA IKE is an award-winning researcher, lawyer, educator, and activist with extensive experience in designing equity-centered impact strategies. She is the Founder and CEO of Pink Cornrows, visionary behind Black Policy Lab and has co-facilitated the creation of national pipe-lines, justice efforts and three congressional caucuses. Her experience includes serving as counsel on Capitol Hill, policy advocate for the Innocence Project, and global human and civil rights advocacy. Her work has been recognized by the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, and NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research.

My Mommy’s Foreword

Introduction: A Book of Problems, Possibilities, and Practices

Chapter 1. Forty Characteristics of an Equity Mindset

Chapter 2. The Work Culture We Inherited (and How it Erases All of Us)

Chapter 3. Thoughts on Being an Equity Designer

Chapter 4. An Equity Lens: Seeing the Right Problem

Chapter 5. Testing Our Assumptions About What Our Cultures Must Be 

Chapter 6. Are Your People S.A.F.E.?

Chapter 7. Remote Work Is a Reasonable Accommodation (and We Owe the Disability Justice Community an Apology)

Chapter 8. Confront Your Issues With Black Women

Chapter 9. The Case for Radical Sabbaticals for Black Women

Chapter 10. Safety, Access, and a Good Sandwich

Chapter 11. What Is Your Equity (Mindset) Journey?

Chapter 12. Centering Proximate Leadership in Our Practice

Chapter 13. Pipelines are Deep Work: What You Should Know and Be Prepared For

Chapter 14. Reimagining “Chief”

Epilogue

Acknowledgment

About the Author