The D&I world mourns the loss of our beloved “founder” of the modern day diversity movement, Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Thomas for many years. He was my friend, mentor and colleague. Dr. Thomas was not only an amazing thought leader, he was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person, strong in his faith.
He has been called a gentle giant, working passionately and tirelessly to make this world a more just and inclusive place for all. Through story, metaphor and allegory, Dr. Thomas helped us all better understand how inclusion really was the way to enhance performance. In his example of Dennis Rodman, who could clearly be described as “different”, Dr. Thomas pointed out that because he performed well he had a prominent place in the NBA. Dr. Thomas would say, “You don’t have to like Dennis Rodman, but the coach recognized that regardless of his looks, he helped to win games, a clear cut business case for diversity.”
Dr. Thomas also taught us with jelly beans and giraffes and elephants, eloquently allowing for aha moments with his audiences. The giraffe built a beautiful house, Dr. Thomas wrote, based on giraffe standards. When the giraffe invited the elephant to tour his new house, it became pretty obvious that the elephant could not fit through the narrow doorways or staircases. Dr. Thomas would ask, “How many organizations have built cultures only for giraffes?”
Dr. Thomas has left us with a remarkable body of work that has transformed the field. He and his contribution will live on forever in our hearts and minds. Let us remember his legacy by recommitting to the work undone in the field…continuing to passionately and urgently seek equity and inclusion for all. I am sure that is what he would want us to do.
An African proverb says, “A man is not dead until he is forgotten.” Dr. Thomas will not be forgotten.
We at The Winters Group extend our sincere sympathies to the family of Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas.
