Reduced Inequalities

As the critical conversation around racism in the United States continues, the message to companies is clear: to not speak up is to be complicit with the status quo. And therefore many brands have taken this time to share messages of support, solidarity and commitments to change. Yet, it’s clear a statement of support will only go so far. Americans expect action. In fact, our own research conducted last month indicates 85 percent of Americans expect companies to help address racial inequality (up from 81% in 2018). Yet at the same time, Americans stand ready to call out companies they feel haven’t done the work. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans say when a company takes a stand on an issue, they will do research to see if it’s being authentic.

The past few weeks have been traumatizing and painful. The unjustified killing of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and the blatant examples of racism have now forced many to understand what the Black community has known and experienced our entire lives.

Cox Communications, the largest private telecom company in the U.S. and pioneer of gigabit broadband to homes and businesses, earned the No. 17 spot on the 2020 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list.

“To serve the healthcare needs of people everywhere, we need diverse perspectives and viewpoints," says Ashley McEvoy, Worldwide Chairman, Medical Devices, Johnson & Johnson and Executive Sponsor of the Open&Out employee resource group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies.

Albertsons Companies today announced a $5 million donation to social justice organizations as well as those on the front line of the fight for equality. “Racial justice and equality cannot be achieved by people returning to the status quo. We must intentionally open a door to lasting change across our country,” said President and CEO Vivek Sankaran.

This year, Dow is celebrating the 20th anniversary of our LGBTQ+ and ally employee resource group, GLAD. It’s an important milestone. It reminds us of the incredible progress we’ve made and the work we still have yet to do.

Words seem to fall short when trying to address the pain and frustration that so many are feeling right now with the racial injustices happening across the United States, particularly within our black community.

Tomorrow I will have the distinct honor of participating in a panel discussion held by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation where I will join experts examining the incredibly damaging impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Black community.

President of Northern Trust Asset Management answers: What's the message for the financial services industry when it comes to diversity?