I’ve been reading statements by various business leaders in regards to the recent societal disruptions of insurrections and civil disobedience, trying to figure out what they are saying or doing. Let me share a few with you.
We have a collective responsibility to take serious action to address centuries of structural racism.”
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase
We acknowledge there is much work to be done, and we commit to reflecting on the role we can and should play in contributing to a better tomorrow.
Ann M. Palmer, President and CEO, Arthritis Foundation
Or another.
During these difficult days, AARP will use its voice, resources and trust in our brand to continue our fight for what is right. Let us all unite as one and commit to creating a country where every person has the opportunity to live a life of dignity, good health, economic opportunity and purpose — regardless of race, income or age.
Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO, AARP
More
We are committed to listening, learning, and growing even better together. Discrimination and racism are not welcome here. We understand that this is a pivotal and challenging moment, and we look forward to continuing our work as a team to build a better tomorrow.
Jim Fogarty, CEO, FullBeauty Brands
Say What?
“I can no longer be silent. The murder of George Floyd is an abomination. It’s more unwelcome evidence — as if we needed it — of a specter that’s haunted this country for four hundred years. Today, you have my word that we are taking a microscope to this company,” she wrote, “and we are redoubling our commitment to inclusion and justice.”
Pam Liebman, the Corcoran Goup
How many of us have Apple computers, tablets or phones?
But together, we must do more. Today, Apple is making donations to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit committed to challenging racial injustice, ending mass incarceration, and protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable people in American society. For the month of June, and in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, we’ll also be matching two-for-one all employee donations via Benevity.
Tm Cook, Apple
We commit to show up in a meaningful way for our black employees, black customers, and the black community at large. We promise not to let perfect get in the way of better as we humbly stand beside the black community in the spirit of unity, support and action. As a white CEO, I recognize and own my incredible privilege. And, I promise you to use that privilege actively for good.
Denise Conroy, CEO, Muse Paintbar
Today, we re-commit to building programs and services that place humanity at the forefront of our work.
YWCA, Hartford Region, May 29, 2020
Calling all Facebook users….
Facebook is committing an additional $10 million to groups working on racial justice. We’re working with our civil rights advisors and our employees to identify organizations locally and nationally that could most effectively use this right now. One of the areas Priscilla and I have personally worked on and where racism and racial disparities are most profound is in the criminal justice system. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has been one of the largest funders, investing ~$40 million annually for several years in organizations working to overcome racial injustice.
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook
What kind of movies is Disney making?
We intend to focus our efforts and resources to compassionately and constructively talk about these matters openly and honestly as we seek solutions.
Bob Chapek, Bob Iger & Latondra Newton, the Walt Disney Company
A little action from Lane Bryant’s parent company
But we’re committed to holding ourselves accountable, listening, learning, and being better. We announced over the weekend that we are making a donation to the NAACP to help make a difference. As a company, we know we have a responsibility to use our platform for good. As humans, we will not be silent.
Ascena, June 3, 2020
Dear Friends of the (CT Women’s Hall of Fame) Hall
Times are challenging. Our hearts are broken for the families who have lost loved ones due to the current pandemic, as well as those whose lives have been lost due to racist violence and brutality. The current climate compels us to take a stance, one that we hope will move us forward in the right direction. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame has been and will continue to remain a bi-partisan organization. We believe that we ALL must work together to ensure the safety of our Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) neighbors, friends, and family members. This is an issue that concerns us all, regardless of political view or affiliation. We believe #BlackLivesMatter. We are committed to uplifting inspirational women of all backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and beliefs. We will strive to ensure that we are constantly working towards social justice as so many of our incredible CWHF Inductees have done and continue to do. Moving forward, we are committed to:
- Highlighting more of the incredible Women of Color, who work within Connecticut today to improve conditions for ALL of us.
- Creating and maintaining existing partnerships with schools and organizations that support our BIPOC community members and students.
- Highlighting Women of Color through our new weekly #WomanOfTheWeek social media series, where community members can nominate women to be featured.
- Developing more educational programs that highlight our Inductees of Color.
There are many ways to support your neighbors, friends, family members, students, and children, especially if they are BIPOC. That may be calling them up to check on them, donating to organizations who provide resources, or contacting your local public officials to demand positive change. Whatever you do, please be safe and remember that when we stand up for the most marginalized among us, we stand up for everyone.
Yours, Sarah Smith Lubarsky Executive Director
More.
We need to listen, to learn and to act; we are an organization of allies and advocates. Over the coming weeks we will be finding ways to start those difficult conversations and to support our neighbors to make our city, our community and our country a place for all.
Hartford Public Library
We re-commit and dedicate our work to transform the institutions of our society that have created an inherently unjust society and have systematically inflicted discrimination and degradation against children, youth and individuals of color.
Martha Stone, Executive Director, Center for Children’s Advocacy
In a nutshell…
These last few months, the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy have dominated the headlines. But George Floyd’s death has galvanized people around the world in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades. While some are hopeful this added attention could lead to real change, only time will tell if society continues to band together to take up this fight once daily routines go back to “normal.”
Daily Skimm, June 1, 2020