Committing to the other
Division is everywhere, yet to solve the complex issues we face, the world needs unity. That is possible only when we commit to the other—to being there for people who are not like us.
Racism was part of my life experience growing up. In my neck of the woods it was between people from the North and South of Italy. There are many historical reasons why North and South developed differently.
The earliest evidence of Italians' extraordinary genetic diversity dates back to 19,000 years ago#. Based on this combination of genetics and environment, human bodies react differently to infections, for example. But there are also cultural and economic reasons.
Many people told me in the past several weeks that they felt a sense of kinship with their neighbors and communities. Many companies also stepped in and adapted to help support their employees. Leadership is not something you claim, it's something you demonstrate.
Josh Bernoff selected a couple of corporate statements that show empathy and communicate concrete steps. Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote:
Team,
Right now, there is a pain deeply etched in the soul of our nation and in the hearts of millions. To stand together, we must stand up for one another, and recognize the fear, hurt, and outrage rightly provoked by the senseless killing of George Floyd and a much longer history of racism.
That painful past is still present today — not only in the form of violence, but in the everyday experience of deeply rooted discrimination. We see it in our criminal justice system, in the disproportionate toll of disease on Black and Brown communities, in the inequalities in neighborhood services and the educations our children receive. While our laws have changed, the reality is that their protections are still not universally applied.
We’ve seen progress since the America I grew up in, but it is similarly true that communities of color continue to endure discrimination and trauma.
I have heard from so many of you that you feel afraid — afraid in your communities, afraid in your daily lives, and, most cruelly of all, afraid in your own skin. We can have no society worth celebrating unless we can guarantee freedom from fear for every person who gives this country their love, labor and life. . . .
But together, we must do more. Today, Apple is making donations to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit committed to challenging racial injustice, ending mass incarceration, and protecting the human rights of the most vulnerable people in American society. For the month of June, and in honor of the Juneteenth holiday, we’ll also be matching two-for-one all employee donations via Benevity.
To create change, we have to reexamine our own views and actions in light of a pain that is deeply felt but too often ignored. Issues of human dignity will not abide standing on the sidelines. To our colleagues in the Black community — we see you. You matter, your lives matter, and you are valued here at Apple.
A good example of clear writing that names the facts and outlines the actions. It demonstrates:
- Sincerity — the best way to communicate (marketing is a form of communication) is to be as close as possible to what people are feeling and what you can offer.
- Respect — this is essential before you can commit to the other.
- Authenticity — also something you demonstrate by being true to your values.
But you don't have to be the CEO of a company with an enviable market capitalization to act. Confronting bias is not easy, but it shines a light in the dark places.
Speaking up, doing the right thing
This past week, we’ve seen millions of Americans vocalize their pain in protests across the nation responding to the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We all have a responsibility to recognize this pain and the systemic racism that has caused it, and also to act — by listening, reading, and supporting organizations that make justice their mission. This is especially important if you come from a place of privilege that protects you in some capacity.
As we all consider how to heal this wound, I ask that we not lose sight of the power of our voices. I’ve always believed that confronting bias publicly is essential. If you see a bad actor, say it out loud and set an example for those around you. And don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Instead, be eager to participate in conversations that may make you uncomfortable and commit to learn more. It may not be easy, but it is critical.
The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, and the scale of the work that needs to be accomplished is staggering. Let’s vow to be kind, to roll up our sleeves, and to be part of the force that bends this path toward justice. #BlackLivesMatter
I've done my share of speaking up. I still remember the one time I was there when a middle aged white guy said to my mother, who was then in her early sixties,
Here are some examples of companies that made statements of support:
Nike shared the video with #UntilWeAllWin, For once, don't do it. Adidas, Nike’s cut-throat competitor in the retail space shared the video, with the message, Together is how we move forward.
On social media, companies and influencers who call out police violence are being told to 'open your purse'#
and matching employee contributions. Other companies are taking action, in line with their values:
Girls Who Code Reshma Saujani, CEO & Dr. Tarika Barrett, COO take action in solidarity with Black Americans and the ongoing fight for racial justice.#
We stand in solidarity with our employees and communities who are voicing their anguish, anger, and deep frustration with systems that oppress and devalue black lives, says Josh Silverman, CEO, Etsy and pledges to donate $1 Million toward Justice Reform and Black-Led Institutions#
But it's not just the big companies. I'm seeing small agencies pledge what they can, match employee contributions, and make a commitment to inclusion and diversity. That last part is where we can make working to build together sustainable.