Justice Requires Democracy
Business for America stands unequivocally for justice, equality, and human rights. Our mission to strengthen representative democracy is rooted in the idea that everyone deserves to have a voice and be treated with dignity.
Today that mission feels more urgent than ever.
The death of George Floyd, killed by a Minneapolis police officer, is the latest in a centuries-long history of discrimination and violence against Black people in the United States of America. It’s unconscionable, inexcusable, and a stark reminder of systemic racism’s insidious effect on Black communities and our nation as a whole. We must do better.
To deliver on the promise of America, our republic must be democratic and allow everyone to be heard. Speaking from a podium in Atlanta last week, social activist Killer Mike asked his African-American brothers and sisters to complete the census and vote in November. On Monday, former President Barack Obama urged Black communities to vote and participate in politics. At Business for America, we wish to support broader participation and help ensure elections are safe, secure, and accessible to every Black American.
Business for America and our members pledge that as we work to strengthen democracy by boosting civic engagement and ensuring election integrity, we will also seek to promote greater diversity, inclusion, and justice by:
- Partnering with organizations that promote diversity and inclusion among the business community
- Prioritizing civic engagement initiatives in communities of color in partnership with Black-owned businesses, minority chambers of commerce and other aligned business groups, and business sectors where workers of color are often employed
- Recruiting business leaders for our board of directors and advisory council who better represent our country’s racial and ethnic diversity
- Finding more ways to collaborate with community-based organizations that champion the dignity and prosperity of communities of color
We have seen the power of the business community to come together and take on society’s greatest challenges. Now it’s time to do it again. Business for America and our network of companies are committing today to redouble our efforts to protect every citizen’s sacred right to participate safely in our elections and lay the foundation for justice in America.
