Join Me To Effect Change

With the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, and protests that have followed across the country, the last 10 days have left me sad, angry and bitter. This is just one example of a far too long list of Blacks (in particular, Black men) who have lost their lives to systemic racism. As Former President Barack Obama said, “If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.” My heart aches watching the news in recent days.

In questioning my own actions, it is clear to me that I have not done enough to fight against racial injustice or address social inequities in the communities I have lived in over the years. I have reflected a lot on the reason for my inaction. I would categorize myself as the “moderate” that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his now famous letter from Birmingham Jail in 1963. He said “…I must confess that over the past few years, I have been gravely disappointed with the …moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that …. the great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is … the moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice…”

 I am one of them… and perhaps you are too. We each may be guilty of not doing all the good that we can do but don’t. 

Over the past several days, I have listened to colleagues tearfully describing their fears in trying to teach their Black children (especially those with sons) what to do if they ever get pulled over by the police. Or how they have had to switch schools for their child because they were bullied by their classmates. Or how they have been racially profiled more times than they can count by police officers or by employees in department stores. Or how saddened they are that COVID has disproportionately affected the Black community, exposing structural inequalities in our country’s healthcare system. While I’ve dealt with racism in my life, I will never be able to fully understand their experiences. However, I can empathize, I can do a better job of understanding and I can advocate.

As Gandhi said, we must be the change we want to see in the world. The systemic structural inequalities in the United States are deeply rooted, and this is unacceptable. We can effect change, and that gives me hope. We must not be silent. We must ask more of the government we elect to enact the laws needed for justice and equality. We must engage in meaningful, uncomfortable conversations with friends and colleagues. So, I’m asking that you be intentional about connecting deeply with others, especially with Black colleagues and showing care in your own ways. I also encourage you to seek ways in which you can help in the cause against racial injustice and collectively, we can all work together to ensure better times are ahead of us.

I am so proud to work for a company that stands for change and justice. In its 100 years, Cummins has often taken the tough stance on difficult matters. This gives me hope and determination that we will prevail in the end.

I want to encourage everyone to reflect on recent events. I’ve included a few links at the bottom of this article for you to read and view. Take some time think about your own convictions and what you can do in your own circle to end racism.

• People Pushed to the Edge by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=v4amCfVbA_c&app=desktop by Trevor Noah

Help me effect change starting NOW.

Srikanth