Page 5 - LRCC July 2020 Focus

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Lansing Regional Chamber of Making Decisions in a Crisis

Commerce Board of Directors BY: ELAINE HARDY, MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMISSION OF

Statement on Social Justice MID-MICHIGAN

WE WATCHED THE HORRIFIC AND SENSELESS MURDER
THE LANSING REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE has issued the following of George Floyd and the ensuing outcry for justice
statement regarding the social unrest in our community and across the country: from communities across the nation. As businesses,
organizations, and individuals, we must be certain
“While the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) works to that our response to these events is not merely
get business operational post-COVID-19, we must pause to recognize performative but hold us accountable, be meaningful,
that, at this very moment, we are nowhere near “business as usual” in the and actionable. We must be willing as business leaders
state of our country. to have the hard-uncomfortable conversations about
race and the inequities that plague so many of our
People across the nation are rallying for social justice and change—and institutions. We must be committed to dismantling Hardy
we hear you. We stand against racism, inequality, and discrimination of the systemic structures within our organizations and
any kind. society that leaves far too many people behind.

It is time for a change. We must confront the uncomfortable truth of Transformational events often create uncertainties that can impugn growth
systemic inequality in our nation. Together, we can step up as leaders and and further entrench our old way of doing business. But they can also be
work toward an equitable future. exactly what we name them. They can create opportunities for business
transformation. Transform ways in which they do business and transform
Please reach out to our partners in our communities of color and offer the way we invest in our most valuable capital- our people.
your assistance and support.” n
In times of crisis business leaders and executives, we must offer more than
words to our teams, but to lead diverse, inclusive organizations, we must speak.
PLEASE REACH OUT TO THESE ORGANIZATIONS We must denounce racism, injustice, and discrimination in all forms and create
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan: environments where individuals can bring their whole selves to work.
www.mlkmidmichigan.com
Now is the opportunity to act, research has shown when employees
lack Business Alliance of Greater Lansing:
www.facebook.com/blackbusinessalliancegl feel included, have a voice in their organization and are affirmed, their
productivity increases. Imagine what could happen if we all committed
Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: to lead fully inclusive organizations. Vowing to have all voices heard and
www.facebook.com/glhcclansing daring to becoming truly anti-racist organizations. n

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