A Potential Turning Point on Race
“I can’t breathe” – Eric Garner, July 17, 2014
“Please, I can’t breathe” – George Floyd, May 25, 2020
“We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” – Martin Luther King Jr, March 31, 1968
We share in your pain. We share in your anger. We share in your frustration. And we will not allow George Floyd, and countless others like him, to have died in vain.
With the United States now in its seventh day of civil unrest, and protests taking place across Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, it is clear that we are at a pivotal point as a society and cannot squander this moment. Today, we have the world’s undivided attention on two of America’s most intractable problems: racial inequality and the continued use of excessive force by police in black communities.
In driving throughout my community and surrounding areas over the weekend, I witnessed George Floyd and Eric Garner’s dying words become a call-to-action for people of all races. I saw people from all racial backgrounds take to the streets in peaceful protest and solidarity with the black community.
We also saw corporate leaders— both from our own company and others— step up and demand that we confront racism and the systemic issues that arise from it head on. I am thankful to see people of good conscience demanding change.
But we can’t just talk about it. We’ve got to be about it. The moral arc of the universe only bends towards justice when we step up and take the right actions.
That’s why JPMorgan Chase created Advancing Black Pathways. We are firmly committed to using our resources and platform as America’s largest bank to close historical gaps in wealth, education and career success among black Americans. But we know we must go a step further. That’s why ABP will serve as a guide to JPMC leadership in mobilizing community leaders, influencers, organizations and policymakers, and channel the energy that’s driving the protests in a direction that will lead to lasting and meaningful change.
This is our mandate, and you will be hearing more from us in the coming days and weeks.
Public Relations & Media Relations Strategist | Storycrafter | Publicist for Private & Public Firms
4 年Excellent, looking forward to hearing more. Proud to be a Chase customer.
Executive Director, JPMorganChase
4 年Thank you Sekou Kaalund for your leadership and your direct language about racial inequality, and the anger and frustration systemic racism rightfully causes. Proud to be your colleague.
Well said and you are right that we cannot stop at the conversation. There has to be unlimited rounds of discussions through the action plans that are put in place to address the underlying root of racism. Just like a highway with multiple lanes, so should be conversations and actions leading through all areas of society. ABP is a great step in that direction from JPM.
President and CEO, INROADS, Inc
4 年Sekou, great job with your bold leadership of Advancing Black Pathways! We are proud to be partners with you and look forward to converting our marches and protest to disruptive and urgent action driving change to wipe our systemic racism. We have the responsibility to make things better..... you are a guiding light ...let it shine. Forest Harper CEO, INROADS