Fulfilling the Promise of our country

I am an immigrant and a proud US citizen. I am a great believer in the American promise, as yet not fully delivered. I came to this country because of that promise and it has given me much. I learned through unconscious bias classes that I was born lucky. As an immigrant I came here with white skin, tall stature and an English accent. Some of my fellow citizens do not have that privilege.  But if we are to fulfill our ambition to be the shining light on the hill we have work to do. 

The shining light on the hill does not kneel on people’s necks because they are Black. The shining light on the hill does not punch a grandmother in the face because she is Asian. We have work to do! 

To be the shining light on the hill we must embrace difference and see the possibilities. We must look and admire others. I lived for a short period in Toronto, Canada. A few miles across a lake from Cleveland and Detroit. Here is an amazingly diverse City embraces and celebrates its broad array of citizens. Does it have its doubters, for sure! But I remember colleagues talking excitedly about how rich it was to live with difference in their City. We have work to do!  

I stand with my friends from all backgrounds and cultures. We have an opportunity to really benefit from the richness of our communities. Imagine what could be if we see this as an advantage in performance, in innovation and in success. We have work to do! We need to lead.