George Floyd was killed in public by law enforcement on May 25, 2020. It’s unconscionable that it took another act of violence to open our eyes to the daily dehumanization of Black Americans and is even more evidence that we must change our institutions and fix our broken systems. There are difficult conversations ahead and much work to be done. Our community is up for this challenge.
 
 Organizations locally and across the country are speaking out with strong statements of outrage and condolence. The breadth and strength of these messages have given me some hope that we are on a new and better path toward change. Clear language will be required for us to move forward, including using phrases like white privilege, police brutality, institutionalized racism, and Black Lives Matter - but change is not born without meaningful action.
 
 At The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro, our values will guide our actions, and this is what we believe:

• We oppose discrimination in all forms.
• We acknowledge that unconscious bias and prejudices create and sustain our systemic inequities.
• We understand that systems must change to achieve fairness and justice for all.
• We support racial justice and stand with those who demand it, even when those demands create discomfort.
• We abhor violence.
• We know a just and equitable society is essential for a thriving economy.

The Chamber commits to the following actions:

• We will do better ourselves – both with improved awareness of our own thoughts and actions, and in our work to build a more just business community.
• We will promote equitable hiring practices among our members, helping to create diverse and inclusive company cultures.
• We will demand attention to racial equity in the Covid-19 pandemic response and recovery.
• We will fund business leader participation in diversity and racial equity training.
• We will be a strong partner in efforts to dismantle institutional racism.
• We will strengthen how we apply the Big Bold Ideas initiative to address racial equity.
• We will serve with civility, justice, and an intentional approach to achieve systemic change.

And so, tomorrow, let’s join together.

Please march with me downtown tomorrow at the Social Justice Rally organized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP Youth Council and Chapel Hill-Carrboro Youth Advocates.

The Social Justice Rally will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 2:00pm, at First Baptist Church on Roberson Street and conclude at the Peace and Justice Plaza on Franklin Street. Plan to wear a mask (we will have some) and be physically distant.

 I will be there with my family and I hope you can join me,
 
 Aaron