3 years after George Floyd’s murder, call for justice strong
And, we, too, re-evaluated our thinking. We realized that our purpose calls us to do more than just point to problems and instead spotlight real strengths.
The youth we serve aren’t at-risk, they’re at potential.
With the right mentoring and resources, they will excel in school and life. The dads we support are highly involved with their children. With the right coaching and access to information, jobs and basic needs, they will stabilize and support their families.
The small businesses we’re cultivating do experience real disparities in securing capital and loans. But we can do more to fix that problem by focusing instead on the great success of America’s fastestgrowing segment of entrepreneurs, Black women. We may work with Columbus’ urban areas but the inclusive economy we seek to co-create boosts the entire central Ohio economy.
It may sound simplistic but it’s really true: we all win when we’re all in.
For companies with a conscience, we applaud your effort and encourage you to continue. As research from Mckinsey repeatedly tells us, your efforts to be accountable and contribute to the greater good, also will earn you even greater profits from a more diverse leadership team.
For funders and donors to nonprofits, thank you for your generosity and for embracing the concept of trust-based philanthropy.
Kudos for recognizing that great programming also takes a strong organizational infrastructure to execute.
For people impatient for change and for those who disagree that change is good or necessary, please remember our shared humanity. George Floyd died when someone dehumanized him because of who he was and what he represented. Fear and hatred triumphed over love and compassion.
Let’s use that memory to rise above and find a place of compassion and respect.
Stephanie Hightower is president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League.