Dr. Martin Luther King wrote in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. We at MMQCI believe in this statement, and strive to help replace the structures of systemic racism. In their place, we will support the frameworks of equity and justice that solidify our commitment to the belief that, without question, black lives matter. It is all our responsibilities to embrace that fact in what we say and what we do. “Black lives matter” doesn’t mean other lives don’t matter. Black lives matter speaks to racism and the disproportionate risk that Black people face.
Our advice for each of us is to actively listen to each other, and be purposeful about what you read and listen to. Seek to learn. If you’re asking yourself, “What can I do?” or “What’s expected of me?”, we suggest you focus on how you engage with your co-workers and community members every day.
We will continue to build a diverse workforce and productive work environment where individual and cultural differences are respected, where every individual is challenged to deliver their best, and has the opportunity for personal and professional development. Diversity is not a stand-alone activity; it is embedded in our core values, our approach as to how we develop talent, and the culture to which we aspire, a culture where our differences and similarities are celebrated, and every person has equal opportunity to contribute.
Education is the key to overcoming poverty and achieving goals. This year we have donated to Alabama A&M University, Delaware State University, Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Foundation, Harlem Children's Zone, and UNCF.
Joan Gordon and Clark Rundell