As Sen. Harry Reid’s 2008 comments about Barack Obama’s light complexion and lack of a “Negro dialect” remind us, race still plays into people’s perceptions of who can be elected for certain positions in our country. But there are companies and industries that are trying to close that race gap.

In our weekly look at issues in the workplace, we look at which companies are succeeding when it comes to diversity, and what people of color can do to increase their chances of getting hired and promoted. Takeaway contributor Beth Kobliner shares her research on workplace diversity, while professional diversity expert Keith Wyche offers tips and insights for people of color. Keith is the author of "Good Is Not Enough: And Other Unwritten Rules for Minority Professionals."