I am mad. I am sad. I am committed to being an ally

Enough is enough.

I don’t want my children growing up in a society that tolerates two parallel, but not equal education, judicial, social, and economic systems. Hell, I don’t want to live in a world that tolerates that either. I’ve had enough. Black Lives Matter.

I know many of you agree, and the thought on all of our minds - what to do about it? I’ve spent the last few days thinking hard about what I can do personally, what I can do as a leader, and what Bonobos can do as a brand to make a difference. Over the last three years, we’ve done a pretty good job of hiring for a racially diverse team, and we’ve definitely made significant strides in terms of racial representation in our marketing. 

We can still do better; we can always do more.

My reflections have led to a set of commitments of what I will do personally, and what I will do as the CEO of Bonobos.

Personally, I am committed to:

• Ensuring my children read books and consume movies and TV shows that have strong black protagonists and heroes. There’s a pretty good list here if you’re interested
• Mentoring at least two young black girls or young women to help them find their path in the world and their voice as leaders, expanding my own world view in the process by developing these deeper relationships 
• Making meaningful donations to both NAACP and Campaign Zero

I believe I can make an impact by educating and empowering the next generation, while also listening and learning from their experiences, and that by doing that I can play my part in affecting change in my family, and my community.

As a leader, and the CEO of Bonobos, I am committed to:

• Listening to all our different communities, particularly, at this time our Black community, to hear, listen and understand what they are experiencing and finding ways to support them
• Driving equal racial representation both internally at the company and externally as a brand
• Making donations to Black Visions Collective and Campaign Zero

I realize that I am one individual, and my impact will be relatively small, but my hope is that these recent events will be a catalyst for action for many, and together we can make a difference.

Please join me in sharing your commitments.