Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1037369
28 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 { diversity } THIS IS THE TIME of year when the Isley Brothers' 1976 rhythm-and- blues chart-topper "Harvest for the World" plays repeatedly in my head, in my car, and in my heart. Besides being an international hit, it's one of my favorite work songs, with haunting words and a compelling story behind its writing—both of which reect much of what the wine industry is about. "When will there be a harvest for the world?" Today this question is being asked by many who have decided to speak on the lack of opportunities, experiences, and visibility of black and brown people in the wine industry. I myself speak cautiously and write carefully about what it means to be a black woman in a white space, and I try to make sure I don't offend or scare when holding people accountable for gross misconduct, damaging gossip, and divisive tactics, as well as for push - ing narratives that marginalize, hurt, and dismiss those who look like me. I carry all of this while being an industry pioneer who's working to build a table and set an agenda, all while making sure I don't get loud, pushy, or rude. Sometimes being labeled as one—or all—of those descriptors happens, especially when diversity-focused discussions and women's agendas intersect or are used interchangeably for self-serving or deective purposes, often prompting our rightful judgement and concern to be questioned. "When will there be a harvest for the world?" The Isley Brothers reportedly wrote this song as an open-hearted call for equality across the planet. In an interview with Uncut, guitarist and principal lyricist Ernie Isley said it refers to "a peaceful gathering where every human being is invited, and where no one will be hindered in any way from participating." So, when will there be a harvest for the wine world? A number of people are working to improve inclusion and diversity in our industry today, but, as I mentioned above, there are often other agendas at play. Some sabotage, ignore, and whisper about these issues, seeming to reveal that they're afraid of what real diversity and inclusion would look like. These hindrances are rampant, and the invitations are largely as withheld or parsed out as they've been in the past. "When will there be a harvest for the world?" Is this indeed a rhetori - cal question about equity and equality, raised in 1976, 2018, and every year in between? No one can be certain, so what can we do? The Isley Brothers offer this plea and suggestion I'll echo here: "Gather everyman, gather everywoman. Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children. Gather everyone, gather all together, overlooking none, hoping life gets better for the world." Songwriters: Christopher Jasper / Christopher H. Jasper / Ernie Isley / Marvin Isley / O'Kelly Isley / Ronald Isley / Rudolph Isley Harvest for the World lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Harvest for the World by Melody Fuller "Gather everyman, gather everywoman. Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children. Gather everyone, gather all together, overlooking none, hoping life gets better for the world."