Dorothy Crenshaw
June 3, 2020 | 06:40:45
The past week has been painful, disturbing, and enlightening. It’s time to speak up. With protests happening across the country, we need to make our position clear, as individuals, as a citizen of the New York City business community, and a member of the PR industry.
We at Crenshaw Communications stand for social justice and join our fellow citizens in demanding accountability for any action that disrespects the dignity and value of a black life. Whether in the streets or in the workplace, we support diversity, equity and inclusion and strive to conduct our business and our lives accordingly.
It’s a small gesture, but to demonstrate support, we will donate $5000 to the groups below. They are all highly rated by Charity Navigator and you can find more information about each and other worthy organizations here.
Center for Constitutional Rights
CLASP
Equal Justice Initiative
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Minority Corporate Counsel Association
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
PolicyLink
Public Justice Center
Southern Poverty Law Center
We also pledge to learn more about issues affecting the African-American community in our country and encourage our employees, like-minded friends, and our community to do the same. Our goal is not just to espouse support for DEI, but to become an ally.
Some recommended reading for those interested:
Black Americans still are victims of hate crimes more than any other group (Public Integrity)
How You Can Be Ally to the Black Lives Matter Movement (Great Big Story)
Black People Need Stronger White Allies — Here’s How You Can Be One (Refinery29)
Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor and How To Be An Antiracist
It’s painfully obvious that the public relations industry is lacking in diversity. There are many reasons for it, but this, too, should and can change. It’s a stubborn and multifaceted issue and a real problem that I have blogged about in the past. The good news is that client companies have led the way and the agency community has made a commitment to reversing our lack of diversity. We can accelerate that change.
We will continue to use this space for updates on our progress on this front and we’re open to constructive suggestions. We have witnessed tragic and terrifying events, but they represent a turning point in our history as a country and a business community. We hope to be among the many who are determined in ways large and small to make this crisis work for constructive change.