When is it worth it, or damaging? And why does it matter?

In late May 2020, streets across the US (and around the world) erupted in protests. They were motivated by a sense of social injustice and racial inequities so apparent in and after the gruesome and viral video of George Floyd’s murder by a police officer in Minneapolis. It filled us with horror… and became part of the US and even global consciousness.

These protests lasted for months, were diverse in age and race attendance, took place in communities large and small, and the majority were peaceful, albeit with some, heavily reported, violent episodes. The world was two months into the COVID19 pandemic lockdown, people were tense, much of the buzz of normal life had quieted, and for multiple reasons, we were taking increasing notice of some long-standing societal or structural inequities.

In the wake of this murder and the revelation of other similarly senseless, violent murders of African-Americans, companies of all types were called on to clarify their stance on systemic discrimination and historical violence against certain groups, as well as their policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some companies quickly came out with statements about their support for racial equity; other companies quickly came out with statements condemning the violence (by protestors, police, and private security); and others said both, or nothing. Many companies were boycotted, by certain segments of the population. Some companies were able to stick it out quietly, through the storm. It’s hard to know how much these companies were or weren’t hurt by reactions to …

[Read on at this friends’ link] 🙏🏼please clap up to 50x, and leave a comment