Recruiting Black Insurance Professionals

User Comments

1. Dave

   August 11, 2009 at 1:57 pm

   Black Insurance Professionals…
   What about White Insurance Professionals?
   No, that wouldn’t be allowed, that would be racist.
   Why is it that blacks have carte blanche when it comes to these types of issues?
   How about just Insurance Professionals?
   Why does it have to be about race?

2. Rosie

   August 12, 2009 at 10:58 am

   It’s called discrimination. Whether you want to believe it or not, blacks do not have the same opportunities as thier White counterparts. We need organizations such as this to close the division that exist in various professions. I know it is pitiful to have this discussion in 2009 but it is a reality. Race should not be an issue in any industry, but it is. If you are not black you have not idea. There are very few blacks in the insurance industry, I think this organization is a good way to develop programs that will bring new people to the industry. It should not be seen as a threat to other races, but a means to make insurance more diverse.

3. Chris

   August 12, 2009 at 9:22 pm

   I think that this is a great idea. I am not a big Affirmitive Action guy, but this idea to organize and bring African Americans into our indusrty is important as we are not as diverse as other industies in the sales arena. It is my understanding that we only have about 6% of woman as agency principles as well. From a sales point of view, these are untapped markets that I would be happy to have reached in my agency.

4. Ed Clark

   August 13, 2009 at 2:48 pm

   I think that it is interesting to read the comments that are posted in regards to race and diversity. I believe that it can be a divisive topic if you do not enter it with an open mind. The individual who believes it is racist to have a group called Black Insurance Professionals may not truly understand why it is necessary to have a group that identifies itself with a race label. The purpose of the label is to welcome the group that you are trying to attract. I have had an opportunity to work for many large companies some were insurance and some were not and most of them have affinity groups. The purpose of the groups are to attract a diverse work force not to cause segragation. The concern with labeling a group racist because of title is unfair because we dont know why the group may have been started. For instance when I was a pharmacuetical rep. I was made aware of the National Medical Association. This group was started because the AMA would not allow non caucasian doctors to become part of there group. Although those rules have changed this group continues to meet and discuss there rich and challenging heritage and to continue to help minorities enter the medical profession. As a Black insurance professional I can see both sides of the arguments as to why there is a need to have more black professionals in the industry. When I got in to the industry almost 20 years ago one of my supervisors asked why there were so few blacks who applied for positions in the industry and she had been there for over 20 years. Although I could not answer for a whole class of people I explained to her that I believe it is because of limited exposure to the industry as a whole and many people of all groups do not realize that there are other positions outside of sales positions. In a perfect world we would not need any labels but since we are still trying to close the gap of years misunderstandings we must do what we can to become inclusive to all in all professions.

5. Don

   August 13, 2009 at 9:15 pm

   In response to Dave’s comment, an old saying is relevant here: Necessity is the mother of invention. If Mr. Tillman’s statistic that 95%of insurance professionals are white is correct, is there a need for a White Insurance Professionals organization? On the other hand, if all other racial groups compose only 5% of insurance professionals, isn’t there a need for those groups to organize to increase their numbers in the industry. The answer is “yes” unless you believe that the 95% to 5% ratio is justified by white superiority. Based on my many years of experience in academic settings and an insurance-related work environment, I can verify that there is no merit to a white superiority or supremacy argument. Because that argument is meritless, the adjustment in the ratio of whites to other racial groups should not be limited to sales with an aim of increasing revenue by servicing untapped markets, but should include underwriting, claims, legal, actuarial, investment advisors, etc. to improve performance by taking advantage of untapped talent.

6. Don

   August 14, 2009 at 6:02 am

   The dialogue that has been generated by this article is good for our industry. It helps everyone recognize all perspectives and will hopefully foster a stronger industry. NAAIA by name has a primary focus on African Americans. That said, NAAIA welcomes all members of the insurance industry. Through inclusiveness and partnership we all become stronger. New opportunities are recognized and approaches are developed. NAAIA has a purpose to foster a stronger relationship between African Americans and the industry; provide mentoring opportunities for those seeking mentorship; networking, and professional development. There are insurers who suppport NAAIA and seek hiring opportunities from it’s members. These hiring opportunities provide greater diversity to corporations seeking to grow employment within underrepresented groups. We have received some very positive comments regarding the quality of candidates responding to their job postings.

7. Darrell

   August 20, 2009 at 1:24 pm

   As one of 5% mentioned in Mr. Tillman’s piece I can more than appreciate his sentiments. It is sad, but true that as long as we have individuals with a mindset like Dave’s it will be a challenge to make this industry more inclusive. I wonder if he saw only minority faces in every insurance carrier meeting he attended or even within his own company he would feel the need for change?

8. Jeff

   August 20, 2009 at 2:40 pm

   We need more input from people like Dave. It’s not until people who believe and think like Dave feel able to have their voices heard, that we can be begin to have a honest dialog on a subject as sensitive as race. I’m encouraged by the professionalism of the comments and the willingness to hear-out dissenting opinions. In light of what’s taking place in some Town Hall meetings around the county regarding the Health Care debate, this is refreshing. I would hope that others feel welcome to contribute to the conversation.

9. Ed Clark

   August 21, 2009 at 11:23 am

   The problem with discussing race issues is that you must have an open mind and be willing to listen to another persons perspective. You dont have to agree with their point of view but if you are willing to listen to other peoples perspective you may gain insight into their thought process. I do not believe that Dave is trying to come across as a racist but I feel that he is speaking from his own world view where he does not see the racial concerns that others may have encountered. Many young people were born at a time where there were “less” racial tensions in america therefore they do not see the need of having groups such as these. Keep in mind that this group was started around 30 years ago to create exposure for black professionals and minorities in general and based on the numbers that have been quoted here it appears that there is still a lot of work to be done to make the industry more inclusive of all

10. Hurry

    August 31, 2009 at 9:29 am

    We are looking for “E&S” underwriters & brokers currently layed off in NY,MD,& VA. Need 2 yrs experience and be a strong “self-started” able to work UNSUPERVISED.

11. Carol

    September 15, 2009 at 10:15 am

    I think until this entire country gets rid of the word race things will always be in conflict…
    If you want equality….get rid of the word race.
    Everyone go by the same rules…no matter who you are.