Make Juneteenth matter

A year ago, our country was reeling from the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in broad daylight. Along with so many, I felt deep frustration and anger and pain. I urged people to vote, speak out, and donate to causes that advance racial justice and recognize the humanity of all—clarifying that these were starting points for more work to come.

So, for me, Juneteenth 2021 is more than a moment to commemorate the end of slavery. It’s an opportunity to reflect on where we are now in the ongoing movement for equity and justice, and to recognize progress made over the past year. It’s also a time to state clearly what business leaders can do now to support these efforts, and to recommit to what needs to happen next.

Where we are

I take heart from so much that has happened in 12 months. In the summer of 2020, people protesting against racial injustice flooded streets in cities and towns worldwide, likely setting a record as the largest movement in our country’s history.

We are expending less energy asking people to merely acknowledge the problem of systemic racism—and more energy on addressing it.

I’m encouraged to see young people taking up the mantle of social justice and leading a new charge for change. They understand the power of intersectionality, marching under a common banner for justice, for equal rights, for a livable planet.

But still, pervasive bias and inequities are roadblocks for far too many. Black students are 3 times more likely to be suspended and expelled compared to white students across the country. Black and African American families are less likely to have adequate internet access at home, which students need for digital learning. Bedrock ideals like the ability to cast a vote and have it be counted are under assault. Too many Americans have reason to question when we will truly be judged by the content of our character instead of the color of our skin.

Where we need to go

You may contemplate, as I do, what each of us should be doing to build a better future. Here’s my take: If we’ve been taught anything by COVID, it’s that we are all connected. We can thrive together, making a welcoming place for the historically disadvantaged and all those who are different. If we don’t, I believe it means we will all collectively feel the negative impact.

I’ll say out loud to companies that haven’t yet set diversity, equity, and inclusion targets in hiring, retention, pay parity, and advancement: You need to.

Sustaining D&I efforts means giving employees the support they need to progress, get promoted, get that pay raise, get an equal shot at earning equity in the company. It means making investments at the scale needed to right historical wrongs and close opportunity gaps. This is how we create a workforce that reflects the makeup of our customers around the globe.

Businesses measure what’s important, so I’m proud Microsoft is holding itself accountable for D&I with meaningful metrics. This year, we top the list of Fortune 500 businesses with best diversity and inclusion numbers, but we know we cannot and will not stop here. The work is not done. 

“Impossible is nothing”

Muhammed Ali said “impossible is nothing,” and it’s exactly how I see the moment we’re in. Though we have a long road ahead for genuine and enduring social change, I’m optimistic. Progress is happening. My father was born in North Carolina in 1942. For the first part of his life, he couldn’t use the same bathroom or the same drinking fountain as someone white, simply because he was Black. I may be just one generation removed from that reality, but I can take a stand on racial justice, without fear that it’s going to set me back professionally. That’s worth something.

Juneteenth is a time to reenergize, to find motivation to act beyond our comfort zone. For me, that motivation is my young daughters. Whatever it is for you, I call on you to channel that drive to take bold new steps. Have a vision of what you’d like to see made better in the world. Then hold yourself accountable to doing your part.

This is how we achieve enduring change. It’s on all of us to act. What are you doing to move the ball forward? Let’s keep the discussion—and the progress—going.