The events of the past few weeks have brought to the surface yet again the existence of racism – the marginalization, inequitable and inhumane treatment of people of color. For your black colleagues, friends and neighbors, it’s a broken record that plays time and time again in this country. The inequity for people of color is baked into our nation’s systems, policies and laws.

As a business leader, I am proud of the way we have handled COVID-19. I think a lot of businesses have made adjustments necessary to ensure employees are safe, healthy and engaged during this pandemic. But when it comes to race, we as a society, as a business community, haven’t made the same effort. Race is still one of the main topics that isn’t acceptable to discuss in a professional setting, but it’s time for that to change.

It’s time to get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. As a black business leader, I have realized it is my responsibility to help my team – specifically my black employees — to know that they are supported and to create a safe space for everyone to talk about how they feel in this moment.

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