It has been nearly a year since the death of George Floyd. Today, as we reflect on the verdict in the trial of the Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, who was convicted in his death, we must examine our respective roles that enabled the systemic racism and intolerance that has led us to this moment. While this court trial has reached a just and necessary conclusion, the recent deaths of Daunte Wright and Adam Toledo, and other ongoing injustices, remind us of the challenges still before us, and that work is still very critical and urgent.
As employers in particular, we must recognize the very real trauma our Black and brown colleagues continue to endure as they watch, react and cope with these injustices. That includes a responsibility to support our employees and recognize that the ongoing prevalence of racial and social injustice in our nation has left many hurting.
We strongly encourage you to consider how you can support your staff and colleagues in the wake of this case and as we all move forward. Below you’ll find a list of ways you can engage your staff in dialogues to help ensure their voices are heard. You will also find tools to help you advance your diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
I genuinely believe this is a moment when the business community must dig deeper and lead through corporate responsibilities for social and economic justice. Our shared goals of greater equality, equity and economic opportunity for all – regardless of color, race, religion or sexual-orientation – are too important to stand on the sidelines at a time when our collective determination, leadership and engagement are needed most.
Robert M. Simpson
President & CEO
TAKE ACTION
Vice President of Racial Equity & Social Impact
Please reach out to Dr. Juhanna Rogers, CenterState CEO’s vice president for Racial Equity and Social Impact, at jrogers@centerstateceo.com to let us know efforts you have undertaken, or how we can support you in your efforts.
Support Your Staff, be an Engaged Employer
- Host a staff listening session so your employees can share their experiences and personal reflections.
- Community partners are offering counseling support resources for you to review. You can find them at this link.
- Reach out to Interfaith Works and other local organizations to join community dialogues.
- Connect with your organization’s DEI leaders and talk with them about support and extra resources your company has for its employees.
- Visit the United Way of CNY’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge Resource Library or its CNY Equity 12-Week Journey Resource Library to learn more about issues of race, equity and inclusion and make these resources available to your staff.
- Visit this resource for more ways to support the mental health of Black friends and colleagues.
Drive Greater Equity in the CNY Business Community
- Visit centerstateceoequity.com to learn and engage in CenterState CEO’s diversity, equity and inclusion work.
- If you haven’t committed to CenterState CEO’s Business Equity Pledge, take the equity pledge and encourage others to as well.
- Issue a public, actionable organizational statement condemning racism and senseless acts of injustice.
- Audit your policies and hiring practices to identity potential barriers and biases; consider how you can develop more inclusive hiring practices. To learn more contact CenterState CEO’s Director of Workforce Innovation Aimee Durfee at adurfee@centerstateceo.com.
- The Society of Human Resources Management recently published this article with its members on the importance of this work being led by the business community.
- Review procurement processes and evaluate how your business can increase purchases with minority-owned businesses.
- Network with Upstate Minority Economic Alliance and its members. Attend events it hosts. Engage with them to find MWBE-certified businesses to contract and do business with.
- Direct corporate giving to local organizations with missions of fighting injustice, or match the donations of your employees.
- Support and invest in minority-owned businesses in our community. To get started, visit Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, our organizational partner and minority chamber of commerce; Black-Owned Syracuse, for vendor lists, events and more; or com’s business list of Black-owned restaurants and food businesses you can support right now.
- Visit the United Way of CNY’s 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge Resource Library or its CNY Equity 12-Week Journey Resource Library to learn more about issues of race, equity and inclusion and make these resources available to your staff.
- Support Generation Next, and engage in its efforts to foster opportunities for career advancement, networking and social engagement among diverse professionals. Contact Dr. Juhanna Rogers, at jrogers@centerstateceo.com to learn more.
