Dear B:CIVIC Community,
It was only a week ago that most of us first learned George Floyd’s name and saw the lethal brutality he experienced at the hands of police officers. And he was only the most recent needless death. Since then, we have run the emotional gamut – anger, confusion and sadness – as we watch events unfold across the nation and our own community in response to too many lives lost.
The responses we’ve seen – both violent and peaceful – have shocked some in our community while others have known that we have been heading in this direction for generations. What’s behind these pent-up responses are the systemic barriers, insults and innuendos that people of color face every day in our country and the lack of acknowledgment from those who benefit from those burdensome systems.
We can’t ignore these inequalities anymore. We will only succeed at creating change if we all come together to address disparity and that means there is a role for you and your organization. This work is going to be difficult, but we must do it to move forward.
At the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation and B:CIVIC, we have a responsibility to show up for people of color in our communities in ways we never have before. Know that we see you, we’re here for you and we’re working to support you. Our purpose as an organization is to inspire people who want to make a difference as leaders, and that inspiration is meant for all.
Where do we begin? We aim to create a safe space to process what we are experiencing as a community and as individuals, beginning with our June 11 peer roundtable. We invite you to share the work your company is leading to support your employees and model your commitment, so we may inspire others to action in our community. We will help facilitate resource exchange in the coming days, so we can all work together to bring light in the form of change during this time of darkness. Together, we can work to ignite the light of change during this time of darkness.
As members of our community of leaders, remember that your voice is important and that you have the power to lead where you stand and make a difference.
B:CIVIC and the Leadership Foundation are committed to solidarity, healing and action. We look forward to hearing your voices and coming together to continue this important work.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Vermulen,
Executive Director
B:CIVIC
Alexis Owen,
Board Chair, B:CIVIC
Dan Lewis,
Executive Director
Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation