Mari's Memo
Last week, the three men who were responsible for the death of Ahmaud Arbery were charged and convicted of murder. While the real justice would be Arbery still alive, the verdict comes at a time where we are still grappling with our thoughts about the criminal justice system. A few weeks ago, a jury acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty and acquitted of all five charges in the murder and injury of individuals during a Black Lives Matter protest last year. Our team learned of the verdict together and while we are not shocked by the outcome, we were deeply unsettled by the behavior displayed during the trial and the disparities that exist between white communities and communities of color, particularly Black communities.
These verdicts are not singular instances or misjudgments, but a symptom of white supremist culture that grants leniency to the Rittenhouse, Roof, and Zimmerman of this country. So, what happens next? How do we continue fighting for justice and equality in the face of repeated patterns of disparity? What steps should we take when convictions fall on the side of justice?
As employers, we can improve upon our workplace policies and culture for the betterment of ourselves and employees of color. We can continue to work on unconscious biases that impede our ability to hold ourselves accountable and the space for room to grow. We do our best to center those who are most marginalized and support people and organizations who are fighting for a brighter future for all. The work continues.