The case of former Metropolitan Police, Chief Superintendant Robyn Williams, 29 years in the force, one year away from a gold star pension, with an outstanding, distinguished and unblemished record should be a salutary lesson for all aspiring black professionals.
Robyn was a consummate professional dedicated to the police service that was way beyond and above the call of duty. She acknowledged their faults and was always prepared to front community discussions when critical incidents of death in custody and police brutality arose. She was intensely loyal to the institution.
We would have endless debates about the nature of racism in policing; she and I would rarely agree on tactics even though we shared the same goals. But the one thing I can say about this sister is she had a clear view of what progression looks like. She was committed to her cause of improving the service and being the exemplary, ethical police officer seeking to make a difference. Whilst we had our differences, I have massive respect for her professionalism, willingness to strive to make a difference, and commitment to improving matters, even though we fundamentally disagreed on many tactical issues.
Whenever issues came up of police racism and community relations, she would take the fight to her senior officers demanding that they respond positively to community concerns and insisting they deal with rogue officers within their ranks.
In many ways, she was the consummate black professional, avoiding political controversy, shying away from public criticism of the service whilst working hard within the organisation to bring about change.
Yet despite all her loyalty, in the end, she was treated just like any other black person in the organisation. Unlike many of her white colleagues who enjoy the luxury of white privilege, she was not given the benefit of the doubt.
Many black professional workers make the mistake of thinking that they are there on merit, and their colleagues see them as one of the team. Time after time, I have seen these illusions shattered because when push comes to shove, black workers are nearly always considered expendable.
I have counselled hundreds of black professionals forced to the brink of a mental breakdown because of racism in the workplace. Their tears run like rain, as a consequence of facing the stark reality that despite all of their efforts to "fit in", their loyalty to the organisation, they are rarely really accepted; instead, most at best are tolerated.
What grieves them the most, they say, is "after all I did with this organisation, they can treat me like this?" Many pride themselves on finding what they consider to be a successful coping mechanism' contrasting themselves with those who aggressively pursue change and challenge racism.
And this is my point. However hard you try to hide your black self, tone down your culture, wear the same clothes, straighten your hair, turn a blind eye to racism within the organisation, and rid yourself of your black identity, you will never be considered one them.
Coming to terms with that reality can be devastating. It is heartbreaking to see such naivety broken on the wheel of workplace racism and white privilege. Whilst people like Robyn and I may disagree tactically; we stand in solidarity at moments like this. She didn't deserve this, no one does,
