Ahmaud Arbery. Represents a topic many leaders and organizations publicly skirt around: Racism

This is an opportunity for organizations to rise up.

Our country is still in the grip of systemic racism and injustice, and that is illustrated in recent events. There are disturbing video footage of people of all colors committing hate crimes against Asian Americans in the wake of COVID-19. In Georgia, armed, white vigilantes hunted and murdered Ahmaud Arbery, a young African American man on a jog,

It is encouraging that people are shouting and sharing their outrage about racist events like these on their social media accounts.

However, not much is said on a professional channel like LinkedIn. There is an underlying understanding to stay neutral and silent around personally or politically charged topics like racism. Though not many, I have seen posts by people I follow on LinkedIn “apologize” first that this is personal or political and then share their hurt and sadness of the incident with Ahmaud Arbery. I am grateful for these people who have stepped out and posted on this topic.

Though some may disagree, I think that companies and leaders should not be afraid to amplify worthy human rights and injustice issues as well as their unique product solutions, culture, data supremacy, or market position.

When businesses claim they are a “people first” organization, I find the silence in the face of injustice odd and contrary to their values. How do people of color feel when high profile injustices happen to people of their race and leaders of their organizations or the brands they support are silent? Even in my church and many other religious organizations, issues around racism tend to be addressed rarely and generally.

Remaining silent during times of injustice is a mistake for companies. Often leaders fear losing some customers or even employees by addressing racially charged topics. However, I firmly believe that by taking a bold stand, organizations can build an even more loyal employee and customer base.

Is it easy to do? No. Does it take courage to take a stand? Yes.

Let’s rise up for one another.

Below are a few examples of companies and leaders taking a bold stand against racism.

Nike takes a knee (and sales rise):

Proctor & Gamble wins Emmy for its anti-racism commercial ‘The Talk’

Tim Cook’s email to Apple employees after Charlottesville: