Have we lost the ability to overcome our differences?

The recent deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky bring the reality of inequality and injustice in America into dramatic focus. While no significantly heterogenous society has ever fully resolved the issues of racism, bigotry, and discrimination, America today falls far short of the ideals that we hold dear. No society can prosper that does not provide equal protection of the laws and equal economic opportunity to all its members.

A hallmark of American success has been our ability to overcome differences in order to solve problems in the face of adversity. Have we lost that ability? Has political polarization created an environment where leaders won’t work together to solve our problems because the “other guys” might get credit for the solution? While there can be legitimate differences of opinion regarding how to solve issues of racism, can there really be any serious doubt that we have to do it? But we cannot stand by and wait for “government” to “fix it.” As board members, corporate leaders, and individuals we all bear the responsibility to speak out in opposition to all forms of violence against our fellow citizens and violence that overshadows peaceful protests.

But expressions of sympathy for the disadvantaged or the oppressed are not enough. Organizations that embrace diversity and inclusion, that provide equal opportunity for everyone to grow and prosper, are stronger, attract more and better people, and contribute to a more peaceful and participative society. Collectively and individually we have a duty to do those things that will help us to achieve the ideals that we have espoused for so long. We have the power to create change. Do we have the will to do it? Recent events suggest that we do, and the Pearl Meyer organization supports any changes that promote diversity, inclusion, justice, and prosperity for all with no exceptions.