Plantation Theory: The Black Professional's Struggle Between Freedom and Security

by John Graham

"With laser-like precision, Graham fuses together our collective cultural memory and experience as he captivatingly describes "the contract" so many of us sign. A tacit agreement to don the cloak of cultural invisibility in exchange for the basement keys to the palace." - Dr. Joy A. DeGruy, author of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome





Written to speak for those who've been without a voice throughout their professional career, Plantation The Black Professional's Struggle Between Freedom & Security showcases the realities that countless Black corporate professionals face despite best efforts to prove their worthiness of opportunity. It challenges the status quo and urges future generations of Black excellence to recognize how much power they wield and evaluate closely the benefits and the detractors of choosing to work in Corporate America. From cover to cover, Black professionals are faced with an urgent question-why work twice as hard for half the recognition and a third of the pay? 

 

Filled with transparent and often shocking firsthand accounts, Plantation Theory also serves as a veil remover for those in positions of privilege and power as they embark on a journey of abolition rather than allyship. For individuals and corporations, it demands a commitment to end participation in the behaviors perpetuating inequitable environments. Graham pointedly places the accountability squarely on the shoulders of those most responsible and asks will marketing to Black and diverse talent match the reality of the daily lived experience they will soon call reality as employees? Or will these entities engage in adequate self-examination, heartfelt contemplation, and reflective discussions to do the hard work of no longer being a sideline participant in the marathon of inequity. 

 

For Black professionals, the vision for the future will require a confrontation with the notion of freedom versus security. For companies and individuals in privileged positions of power, performative measures and diversity theater are no longer enough. Graham's Plantation Theory reminds us that historical approaches are no longer viable pathways to what must become. It's no longer a matter of capability, but of willingness. There is much work to be done for the willing. 

Genres: Race, Nonfiction

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2021

About the author

John Graham’s professional passion is helping global companies uncover who they are at their core. Through award winning employer brand and employee value proposition development, Graham has discovered innovative ways to bring the humanity of employee stories to life. As a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioner and culture transformation consultant, his work centers on improving the lived experiences of marginalized employee populations through bleeding-edge approaches that disrupt the status quo and create equitable and inclusive environments. Graham earned a bachelor’s degree in African Studies and a Master's degree in Education from Lincoln University. He also holds an executive certificate in Fostering Diversity and Inclusion from the Yale School of Management.

Reviews

[Moya Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaining knowledge is both painful and enlightening

I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading but I read it in about 2 hours immediately after downloading. If you work in Corporate America, you can relate to much of what is being said. For me, having met the author in the corporate setting and finding him very relatable and likable- I felt my heart ache for him, his wife, myself and many others who have experienced so many micro aggressions that ‘reporting them all would would be a full time job if I were to report them all.’ Relating to many situations mentioned, caused me to have some Aha moments about myself and gain clarity regarding others’ lived experiences.

[Kailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point. Came as a book recommendation from the DEI group within the company I work at (since DEI did not get cut, thank goodness). Thought it was applicable especially for the corporate world and had great examples and anecdotes to drive the points home. I wish Graham would’ve elongated these stories to drive further the points or evoke more visceral emotions. I also enjoyed the inclusion of questions to ask yourself and about the organization you work for to ponder through at the end.

[Readingpanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!!!

[Barb Ruess · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a strong undertone of righteous anger. Some themes you might have read before but the perspective of it in the professional world makes it worth the read. Vulnerable and thought provoking.

[Terri Badger-Ellzey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The realist story for the Black professional

I would have read this book in one day if I would have started it at 9:00 a.m. versus 11:00 p.m. Everything mentioned in this book is my experience except I worded in public service and non-profit. More could be said involving other plantation practices of the gatekeepers who are also part of the toxic work culture those nonwhites who side with the oppressed culture of these organizations. Glad I found this book on accident. A must added read to the author’s book list.