Engaging Black and Brown Professionals
Social X, a diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting group, started in 2012 to create spaces for Black and Brown professionals to engage in different parts of Milwaukee. The founders knew of doctors, attorneys, business owners, and people from around the world that moved to Milwaukee for work who wanted more out of the city.
Through Social X, professionals as young as 20 and up to their 50s have been connecting with one another virtually and in person through Social X’s many initiatives.
Social X Vice President Ranell Washington said he and others were frustrated with the lack of activations and spaces in Milwaukee for Black and Brown individuals. The Social X team spent years building relationships with businesses around the city to ensure their network of professionals was welcomed into spaces that weren’t just on the Northside of Milwaukee.
“There’s something about being in person and having the opportunity to engage in a very unique way,” said Washington.
Social X will be hosting their sixth annual Homecoming Week in Milwaukee from June 11-19, 2023. With hundreds of people moving to Milwaukee each year, Homecoming Week is meant to bring local and visiting professionals together for a week of networking, professional development, and more.
Social X Homecoming Week 2023 Events
- 11th: The Mostly R & B Brunch Xperience
- 12th: Social Xposure: Black, Brown & Thriving?
- 13th: Tech Tuesday: Digital Evolution
- 15th: The Meet-Up @ Milwaukee Night Market
- 15th: The Creative Xchange
- 16th: Fellas Friday
- 17th: Run the Yard 5K
- 18th: MKE Xpress Tour
- 19th: The Give Back @ Juneteenth Day (Volunteering)
From the beginning, Social X has focused on engaging the community but some just saw them as party promoters. To really show what impact they were trying to make in the city, the organization created 6 pillars.
Social X’s 6 Pillars
- Arts & Culture
- Social Impact
- Health & Wellness
- Talent Recruitment & Retention
- Professional & Personal Development
- Community Service
Connecting Community to Opportunities
Social X accumulated a list of hundreds of Black and Brown individuals that were looking for opportunities to be on boards, in leadership roles, and more. Corporations and businesses eventually saw what Social X was doing and wanted to connect with their community.
On Social X’s website, there’s a job listing portal where they are directly connecting employers with Black and Brown individuals and vice versa. There has been a trend of creatives and professionals leaving Milwaukee and Social X is using their platform to keep talent here.
“We engage your employees and make sure they want to stay in the city.”
– Ranell Washington
Volunteering on Juneteenth
Each year, Social X’s Homecoming Week coincides with Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Celebration. Instead of planning around it, the Social X team will be volunteering in the Kid Zone this year.
Don’t worry if you can’t make Homecoming Week because Social X keeps Milwaukee active throughout the year.
“We are a space that allows you to be yourself,” said Washington.
Learn More
Click here to learn more about Social X.