Learning from Everyday Conversations: My Journey in DEI
Sitting in the barber or beautician’s chair is like stepping into a world of stories and experiences. It’s where I’ve learned some of my most valuable lessons about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Let me share with you what I’ve discovered along the way.
When I’m in that chair, I listen closely to the person working on my hair. Just like I trust them to give me a good cut, I trust them to share their thoughts and experiences about DEI. Whether it’s a story about facing discrimination or feeling proud of their identity, I pay attention and try to understand.
What I’ve realized early on is that sometimes, the most impactful teachers aren’t the ones with the fanciest degrees or the longest list of credentials. Instead, it’s the ones whose daily experiences have taught them how to be alert, attentive, and compassionate about the plight of others. In the barber or beautician’s chair, I’ve found these everyday teachers.
My barber might have different insights than my beautician, based on their own background and identity. And that’s okay! It’s what makes our conversations so rich and enlightening.
Sometimes, what I hear challenges what I thought I knew about DEI. It’s like getting a new haircut — it might feel different at first, but it’s an opportunity to embrace change and learn something new.
As I listen and learn, I think about how I can make a difference in my own life and community. It could be as simple as speaking up against unfair treatment or supporting businesses that value diversity.
Through these conversations, I’ve built stronger connections with the people in my life. I’ve shown that I care about them as individuals, not just for what they do for me.
So, the next time you’re in the barber or beautician’s chair, take a moment to listen. You might just learn something that will change the way you see the world. After all, it’s not always about credentials or titles, but about the relationships and lived experiences that inform our understanding and strategies for a more inclusive future.
Effenus Henderson
