Black businesses and communities deserve intentional investment | Opinion

Marginalization and systematic racism are built into the way our region does business.

Signage reading "BLACK OWNED" hangs on a storefront in West Philadelphia before a verdict was announced in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with killing George Floyd, on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.Read moreTIM TAI / Staff Photographer

by Regina A. Hairston, For the Inquirer

Published April 22, 2021, 6:00 a.m. ET

For so many Americans, the conviction of Derek Chauvin for George Floyd’s murder is met with great sadness at the loss of another life at the hands of those trusted to serve and protect. The guilty verdict has sent a message that action against those who seek to harm the rights, the lives, and the futures of our Black communities is possible and expected.

But this verdict and the deaths of countless Black community members are a constant reminder that our society, from the police to our social, economic, and educational structures, need close examination to even begin to provide equitable treatment, let alone strong futures. We must hold those who hinder the rights, the lives, and the futures of our Black communities accountable, but we also must hold those in power socially, economically, and politically accountable to ensure change comes from these tragedies.

We heard from countless corporations, institutions, and voices across the city express their support for the Black community in recent months. But given the extent of marginalization and systematic racism built into the way we do business, respond to community needs, and provide opportunities, if we want to make actual change, we need more. Any statements must be the start of real, measurable, and intentional action.

To simply call for accountability and justice alone is not enough. It does not bring back George Floyd or other victims; it does not heal the loss and the pain African American communities go through as they endure, witness, hear, or fear pervasive and persistent racism, bigotry, and hate. Sporadically, or in a vacuum, it does not change the future.

Our institutions, our leaders, and our society must strengthen the rights, the lives, and the futures of our African American communities in bold and measurable ways — through investment, policy, and action.

The African American Chamber of Commerce is here to build those communities. We believe in the collective power of African American-owned businesses to strengthen and sustain our future, and we need every member of our community, including the corporate community, to do the same.

To the companies, leaders, and allies that have spoken out: your reaction, words, and statements about the murder of George Floyd, the verdict, or any other trauma Black communities have endured is a start. However, words need to be backed up with measurable action. Here’s where you can start:

Be intentional. Spend time and resources recruiting and developing diverse talent. Expand your partnerships, processes, practices, strategies, and approach.
Lend your expertise and professional service connections to those just starting out.
Invest in education and apprenticeship programs, and in the greater Black community.
Advocate. Your economic power speaks volumes. Focus policies that remove social and economic barriers and expand opportunity.
Ask for help. No one expects you to do this alone. Organizations like the African American Chamber that increase opportunities and connections and Black-owned firms are available to help you navigate the process of change and achieve real equity and inclusion goals.

Frustration, anger, and hurt can be powerful forces. As we all process these events, we urge everyone to think of the community and the hard work and sacrifice so many African American businesses have endured. In the face of injustice and systemic failures, they have pursued their dreams to better their lives and build our communities.

We cannot and we will not let a single life be lost in vain. The time to build the systems that will carry us into the future is now, and words are simply not enough. Collective action is the key to change, and the time for action is now.

We all owe it to past, present, and future generations to empower and grow African American enterprise, communities, and opportunities.

Regina A. Hairston is the president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, based in Philadelphia.