Corporate Diversity and Responses to the Black Lives Matter Movement
Analysis of the actions taken by America’s largest companies following the tragic killing of George Floyd
Corporate Racism and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement
It is impossible to separate Corporate America from the foundation of oppression that it was built upon. After all, it was slavery that fueled America’s first big business – the cotton empire. Despite the emancipation of slavery in 1863 and the abolishment of all slaves in 1865, Black Americans continued to face oppression in the form of Jim Crow laws. Even today, unfair practices such as redlining and disenfranchisement continue to impact our society. The consequences of these practices remain pervasive today, and their effects continue to define the experiences and opportunities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
With such a storied past, it’s no surprise that the terms “diversity” and “inclusion” have arisen in prior conversations. Today’s modern day civil rights movement, known as “Great White Awakening”, is no exception. The death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and the subsequent increase in support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement presented large corporations with the opportunity to act on their commitments to diversity and inclusivity.
In the 60 days following George Floyd’s death on May 25th, 2020, many of America’s largest companies made statements and distributed messages outlining their commitments to creating a more equitable business world, improving their diversity and inclusion, and enacting change through real and lasting action.
About the Authors
Harry Baker is a Senior Consultant at DayBlink Consulting
Chloe Spetalnick is a Consultant at DayBlink Consulting
Jonathan Willmot is a Consultant at DayBlink Consulting
Kajol Gupta is an Analyst at DayBlink Consulting
Ken Merritt is a Partner and the Practice Lead for DayBlink’s Organization & People