Black In Business

Stan O’Neal was forced out as CEO of Merrill Lynch. I have wondered about black CEO’s of white firms, how they can possibly survive in a racist business world. I have lived in a corporate world and had jobs previously reserved for white only. I have learned no matter the position or your track record, if you are black and in charge there will be white folks that want to bring you down.
Mr. O’Neal is a super star in the world of high finance and could not have gotten to the top job at Merrill Lynch unless he was aggressive and extremely talented. He has never failed at anything but now he is out. Get Serious!! Don’t you think the stereotypes of race may have contributed to Mr. O’Neal perception of being a poor leader? He is being dragged through the mud and it appears a mini revolt was about to take place. Have you ever heard of this happening to a white CEO?
Do not feel sorry for Mr. O’Neal, he made in the hood of 42 million last year and has a severance of 157 million. He will survive quite nicely.
What about you, us, all black workers in an environment where racial haters and conservative politics make all black workers vulnerable.
There is a point during Baptist funerals where the preacher will say, do not worry or feel sorry for the departed, they are in a safe place, it is now time to get your own house in order, and accept Jesus as your personal savior.
Black in business people, it is time to get your affairs in order, most of us do not have the equity Mr. O’Neal enjoys in his firm. Make sure you have plans for the day when Mr. Charlie may knock on your door and question your effectiveness. Please do not think you are beyond this happening. I can assure you, if any white person has an axe to grind with you, you are vulnerable. People below you with less experience and accomplishments can have more credibility because of skin color.
Let’s look at Colin Powell, he wanted to go into Iraq to get Sadamn during the first Gulf war and was not listened to. He wanted a diplomatic solution to the issues that lead to the current war and was not listened to. He was forced to lie to the UN regarding our reasons to go to war, eventuality he was forced out.
All the white folks will have to want you in your high ranking job in order to stay in. There is very little talk of affirmative action today and we have many conservative Appellate judges appointed by Presidents, Reagan and Bush and now son of a Bush.
Black workers we are in trouble. Do not give up but keep your eyes open and develop options for yourself. I am very interested to your thoughts on Mr. O’Neal firing and the tone of this post. Keep Hope Alive.