A Reflection on MLK Day

"The time is always right to do what is right."?- a reflection on MLK Day by Sharon Chism,?member of the Black Associate Resource Group steering committee

Martin Luther King Jr., an American Baptist minister and activist, was the primary spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement. King dedicated?his life to the nonviolent struggle for civil rights before he was assassinated in 1968. His leadership, which played a pivotal role in ending segregation for African Americans, was instrumental to creating the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Today King is an icon known for his leadership and philosophy of nonviolence. While many of his actions resulted in advancing racial equity, he also rallied for fair and impartial treatment for other groups. King advocated for the labor movement and supported woman's rights.?He inspired countless leaders worldwide to act where injustice exist and make meaningful contributions to improve conditions for individuals, families, communities, countries, and the world.

As a black associate at Russell Investments, it's important to me to work for a firm where diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of our corporate culture. As a member of our Black Associate Resource Group steering committee, I?highly value our firm's continual commitment to DE&I, and I am?proud of my role to advance our efforts in this arena.

The journey toward greater equity for all takes time and focus. One way we can do this is by reaching out, investing in, and supporting our youth. This MLK Day, I will not only honor his legacy and achievements, I will also encourage my colleagues to take action.

One way we can do this is by joining Russell Investments in supporting community organizations that work to address racial equity gaps.?Choose 180 ?is one such organization. Its mission is to provide youth facing incarceration an alternative path. They are clearly making an impact?across multiple dimensions by engaging young people in critical moments when things could go poorly and helping them see new possibilities – and then giving them support they need to honor a commitment to a new direction for their life.

When Russell Investments was looking to partner with an organization to respond to diversity and equity issues in the Seattle area, the Black ARG recommended Choose 180. In addition to making a monetary contribution, our firm has developed and will launch a financial education program for their staff this year – and we are evaluating options for a mentorship program.?

I have the utmost respect for Choose 180's leadership team and its executive director, Sean Goode. Financial literacy is a skill that not everyone has an opportunity to develop. The lack of financial literacy in diverse communities has contributed to systemic and structural racism. It's rewarding to see the firm help?to close the gap in this area and I know the recipients of financial literacy training will benefit from it for years to come.