Gray Areas

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NEXT IDEA BOOK CLUB MUST READ • LIBRARY JOURNAL EDITOR PICK • "This vital and accessible study is a must-read for anyone concerned with workplace equality." —Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) A leading sociologist explores the persistence of racial inequality in the workplace, despite the multi-billion-dollar diversity industry, and offers actionable solutions for achieving true equity. Labor and race in America have a complex history, with systemic failures affecting Black individuals in various aspects of work, from hiring to advancement. Although explicit discrimination has diminished and organizations pledge to promote diversity, inequities remain entrenched in the “gray” areas—relationships, networks, and cultural dynamics critical to companies. Black employees often face barriers to hiring, stagnate in mid-level positions, and struggle to reach senior leadership roles. Through a decade of research and interviews with over two hundred Black professionals, the author presents the stories of seven individuals from diverse fields. This essential antiracist work combines personal narratives with historical context and data, revealing the inadequacies of outdated workplace models. It advocates for reforms such as inclusive hiring practices, reimagined organizational cultures, and pathways for Black candidates to leadership roles, aiming to create workplaces that reflect America's diversity. Addressing these gray areas is cruc