Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 22, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 9 support of diversity called White Coats for Black Lives. "It's difficult to be a black man in America," Brady said, saying images of police killings of black people have spurred him to recommit himself to using his voice for good. Njoroge lauded all companies, regardless of the race of their leadership, for taking a stand in favor of equality aer George Floyd's killing in late May in Minneapolis. "But it's more important to have an honest look at how those corporations are structured," she said. Njoroge sent a memo to her 180 employees in early June with a hopeful message about how protests have spread worldwide. She urged black employees to talk to someone if needed, and for others to reach out to black friends or neighbors and listen. Njoroge said she's encouraged protests following Floyd's killing could lead to greater change than similar racial incidents in the last few years. "e majority of people looking at that video would see how wrong it is … Maybe it's the timing of when this happened with somewhat of a paused mode," she said, referring to the pandemic. "at people had a chance to reflect and say, 'What did I just see?'" Other prominent Central Massachusetts black professionals were encouraged by the direction public response to the Black Lives Matter protests is taking. "It feels like we can't take it anymore," Luster said. "What it's done is really brought to others' attention, particularly white people's attention, what people of color have been going through," Akindele said. "It's the last straw," said Michelle Memnon, a nurse at UMass Memorial Medical Center and a member of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce's Diverse Professional Roundtable. "People are tired and fed up … and it's the younger generation that's taking the lead, too." Idowu is optimistic about companies nationally reacting with more support aer Floyd's death than they generally have in the past. "is seems to have awoken some sense of urgency in business leaders large or small. We've seen way more voices of support," he said. "We've seen a huge shi in how businesses are responding to this crisis." Is a simple message of support enough? It's better than nothing, Idowu said, but still not far enough. "If they're saying 'Black Lives Matter,' well, thank you for affirming that, but the power of the company is to do something about it," he said. "Many of these companies hold powerful lobbying sway, so what are they doing about it?" Business Stepping Stone? We Can Help From the Ground Up. Many of the best ideas in business start with one inquiry, one possibility, one opportunity. And you may only get one chance for your idea to make a first impression. At Fletcher Tilton, our experience in representing leading privately-held companies in Massachusetts has provided us with the knowledge needed to assist you with your business venture from beginning to end. And every step along the way. Call Mark Donahue 508.459.8029 or Todd Brodeur 508.459.8038. Real Knowledge in Real Life FletcherTilton.com WO RC E ST E R | F R A M I N G H A M | B OSTO N | C A P E CO D W My company stays away from divisive issues F L AS H P O L L Has your company officially expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement? Since the killing of Minneapolis black man George Floyd by police on May 25, the Black Lives Matter and related protests against police brutality have gotten more defined, with activists calling for reform. The business world has become involved as well, with businesses denouncing Floyd's killing and/or supporting the Black Lives Matter movement through statements, donations and their own protests. When polled online, more than 60% of WBJ readers said their companies have not officially come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. minneapolis 7% Yes, we have donated money to Black Lives Matter or related organizations and/or held our own rallies. No, we don't like to take sides on divisive issues. 42% No, the values of our company don't align with those of Black Lives Matter. 20% Yes, we have issued an official statement in support of Black Lives Matter. 31%

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