Ben & Jerry’s co-founder and a black entrepreneur on ways leaders can stand against racism (opinion)
The time for tepid and delicate corporate statements is over. Racial bias workshops simply will not do. Now is the time for American business leaders who truly believe in justice for all and despise racism to take real and substantial action.
Black consumers know their power and influence. Strategies for real change and economic empowerment are being crafted in boardrooms as we speak.
Here is our call to action for American businesses ready to join the fight against systemic racism.
So many black Americans dream of becoming entrepreneurs. Areas like Tulsa’s Greenwood District, Harlem in New York and Washington’s U Street and H Street corridors have a rich history of black innovation, ingenuity and brilliance.
Hire and empower black employees — junior and senior alike
It is not enough to simply hire more black employees. Without diverse representation at the highest levels of management and honest dialogue about race throughout the organization, America’s leading companies will continue to encounter the very same battles with racism that the country is experiencing today. So many brands have faced backlash in recent years over insensitive ads and stunts depicting blackface and racist imagery. These embarrassments could have easily been avoided by having vocal and empowered black leaders at the table.
Hold police, vendors and contractors accountable
America’s leading corporations must understand where their partners, vendors and contractors stand on the issue of race. Companies should use their purchasing power to support vendors that share their values and commitment to racial equity and justice within their businesses and across society. And companies should join us in boycotting partners, vendors and contractors with histories of discrimination and outright racism. This commitment should include ending business engagements and relationships with local and state law enforcement that have poor records on matters of racial bias and police brutality.
Less talk, more funding
Use power for justice
Black Americans and all those who yearn for justice — in our country and around the world — are watching. The actions of America’s business leaders will be judged by black people and all conscious consumers who stand against racism. Those generations to come will look back to the actions we take right now in this most important moment. And ultimately, history will tell a clear story of both those companies and leaders who stood for justice and those that chose to remain silent.