Reflections on Reconciliation
My parents had a small store in the multi-cultural community of South End, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where I was born and raised before immigrating to the United States 45 years ago. Friends of all ethnic and religious backgrounds visited our family store, where everyone was respected and welcomed, and our lives were better because of those friendships and shared experiences.
The Apartheid system marginalized and systematically oppressed the majority of South Africa’s population, which led to demolishing the buildings and community of the vibrant South End.
Apartheid ended after Nelson Mandela was released from 27 years of imprisonment for fighting against injustice. President Mandela devoted the rest of his life to two concepts worth revisiting today: truth and reconciliation.
Nearly 30 years later, the senseless death of George Floyd and untold others visibly reminds us, again, of the hard truth that prejudice exists in America and, indeed, everywhere. To be black in America means enduring, on a daily basis, indignities and inequalities that simply cannot be tolerated. We in America have an obligation to reconcile ourselves to this difficult reality and denounce the scourge of racism.
This means actively listening to and understanding those who have experienced and continue to experience all forms of prejudice, whether subtle or obvious. We need to have these conversations in our schools, places of worship, municipal offices, statehouses, and, to be sure, in our corporate offices.
For Henry Schein’s part, we remain deeply committed to a culture that allows no place for any form of bigotry or intolerance. We plan to raise the issues that recent events have exposed with our team so we can continue to contribute to the fight against racism and, indeed, any form of prejudice.
I personally will always be guided by the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
In this moment, we must have the authentic, sincere dialogue – born of a mutual love of a country and all our people – necessary to reconcile differences and build the just society that America can and must be for all.
Director at Mid-York Senior Homes, Inc., Hamilton Village Trustee, Writer
4 年Thanks for your message. Planning to place an order now from your company!
Howard E. Spector, DDS, FACDS, D'ASBA (Retired Orthodontist)
4 年You seem to have a lot of "suck ups", Mr. Bergman. However, more and more of my colleagues lack respect for you and your company. Too bad that we see you and your company for who you really are. Perhaps you could offer a course to teach us how to speak out of both of our mouths. You offer a ton of courses. How about that?
Pro Bono Coach & Mentor for Leaders Working on Poverty & Social Justice Issues
4 年Stanley, It is a pleasure to read your words and especially because you speak as the leader of an important company. One source of hope for me in our current circumstances is the willingness of more business leaders joining you and recognizing the role they must play in rectifying the many injustices in our society. You have always been and continue to be a great role model.
Direct Primary Care Clinic
4 年Thank you.
Experienced CEO with multiple successful exits; Harvard MBA, CEO Longevity Community Consultants
4 年Terrific sentiments Stanley, and congratulations on the Henry Schein culture of tolerance and inclusion. I am impressed that your company was named one the "World's Most Ethical Companies" so many times. Your experience growing up under apartheid undoubtedly gives you unique insights into the current situation and the legitimate frustrations of people of color. By the way, your family store in Port Elizabeth seems like it was a great place for the community to gather!