One of my mentors recently said to me: “Claude, you first delivered a positive impact on the Black community. And over the past few years, you’ve managed to broaden that impact.”
At first, I didn’t know what to make of that comment. I felt conflicted.
On one hand, I want to have as much positive impact as possible—so naturally, that means reaching beyond my own community. On the other hand, my work within my community has only just begun. There’s still so much to do. I want to double down before expanding too far.
So how do I transcend race—without denying it?
To transcend race, I first have to acknowledge how deeply it shapes everyday interactions. Of course I know this—I live it. But I’m not living it in the same way I once did. I have a bit of financial stability now, some social status. That changes interactions a lot.
And yet, I know race continues to play a defining role for people who look like the younger version of me.
Part of why my mentor’s comment left me uneasy is because, for a moment, I confused “transcending race” with “colorblindness.”
That’s a common misconception.
Colorblindness—the deliberate attempt to overlook or ignore racial differences—can seem progressive on the surface. But it often erases the unique experiences, struggles, and cultural identities tied to race. It’s a passive stance.
By contrast, transcending race means acknowledging racial realities while refusing to let them limit how we see or treat each other. It’s not about pretending race doesn’t exist; it’s about seeing the full person through and beyond those lenses. It’s a proactive, respectful choice—to embrace difference, without being defined by it.
One place that models this beautifully is Toronto. Often described as one of the world’s most diverse cities, Toronto embraces its multiculturalism openly. From festivals and community programs to inclusive policies, the city doesn’t ignore identity—it celebrates it. And it does so while promoting shared values and belonging. Anyone who’s been there will tell you: it works.
So after some reflection, here’s where I landed.
As long as I’m making a positive impact on my core audience—my community—I can and should celebrate expanding that impact to others. In fact, reaching broader audiences can help sustain my work and increase its value.
The real red flag is when others feel the impact but my own community doesn’t. That’s when it’s time to pause and pivot.
The Black Negotiator 