Drawing on insights from history and examples of trail-blazing Black American leaders, Jamar Hébert shares his perspective on navigating urgent issues of race and reconciliation in modern society and offers advice for other professionals building their careers in the modern workplace.
Taking his seat at the table came with a shocking revelation, there was only room for one! As he traversed the rugged landscape of corporate success, Hébert found himself in rooms surrounded by peers, few contemporaries, and one demoralizing caveat. This unsettling discovery of disparity in corporate spaces and many communities worldwide yielded a unique opportunity for him to confront the sobering reality of lingering discrimination and unconscious bias in a harrowing account of being “The Only Black Man in the Room.” Though Hébert’s second literary release informs readers of his grim reality, it will promote understanding, unity, and healing among readers of all backgrounds.
The pursuit of excellence is in his blood, and Mr. Hébert credits his grandfather, father, and aunt as a few of the groundbreaking and barrier-shattering influences in his life. Their business acumen and determination propelled them beyond the bounds of laws in the Jim Crow South that sought to subjugate Black Americans and eliminate them from contention in civil and entrepreneurial exploits.
Taking his seat at the table came with a shocking revelation, there was only room for one! As he traversed the rugged landscape of corporate success, Hébert found himself in rooms surrounded by peers, few contemporaries, and one demoralizing caveat. This unsettling discovery of disparity in corporate spaces and many communities worldwide yielded a unique opportunity for him to confront the sobering reality of lingering discrimination and unconscious bias in a harrowing account of being “The Only Black Man in the Room.” Though Hébert’s second literary release informs readers of his grim reality, it will promote understanding, unity, and healing among readers of all backgrounds.
The pursuit of excellence is in his blood, and Mr. Hébert credits his grandfather, father, and aunt as a few of the groundbreaking and barrier-shattering influences in his life. Their business acumen and determination propelled them beyond the bounds of laws in the Jim Crow South that sought to subjugate Black Americans and eliminate them from contention in civil and entrepreneurial exploits.
I’m not interested in vilifying, demonizing, or scapegoating. On the contrary, I have been inspired by the recent movement to find a way to play a constructive dialogue in driving greater understanding and discussion among Black and White Americans. My hope is that regardless of your background or where you come from, these pages will challenge you, inspire you, and help you to see the world in a different way.
Jamar Hébert
Mr. Hébert now resides in the Greater Gainesville, Florida area, a long way from Louisiana. Mr. Hébert continues to thrive with a new mission in tow, to no longer be the only black in the room. As an author, philanthropist, business leader, and CEO of J. Hébert Companies, L.L.C., Jamar shares his perspective on his journey climbing the leadership ranks across a range of Fortune 500 companies.
The mass appeal of this book’s powerful message suggests that you are an agent of change by simply reading the book. The resolution to reconstruct corporate leadership infrastructure is compounded by the reconciliation of racial relationships in the workspace. As it has been sold, the American dream is for every American. For far too long, American dreamers, powerful corporations, and legislators have fallen short of making the dream a reality. As pieces of the dream come to fruition, the fact remains that for many Black Americans, there remains only room for one in the board room, the front office, the executive suite, or the neighborhood.
Jamar Hébert offers insight into a better, more diverse country in “The Only Black in the Room.” What he shares in the book will make readers better understand their contribution to the fulfillment of the American Dream for all Americans, regardless of their aspirations or occupation.
The mass appeal of this book’s powerful message suggests that you are an agent of change by simply reading the book. The resolution to reconstruct corporate leadership infrastructure is compounded by the reconciliation of racial relationships in the workspace. As it has been sold, the American dream is for every American. For far too long, American dreamers, powerful corporations, and legislators have fallen short of making the dream a reality. As pieces of the dream come to fruition, the fact remains that for many Black Americans, there remains only room for one in the board room, the front office, the executive suite, or the neighborhood.
Jamar Hébert offers insight into a better, more diverse country in “The Only Black in the Room.” What he shares in the book will make readers better understand their contribution to the fulfillment of the American Dream for all Americans, regardless of their aspirations or occupation.
