Today marks one year after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died while in the custody of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck during his arrest for 9 minutes and 29 seconds, sparking the #929 campaign on several social media platforms. In the days, weeks, and months that followed Floyd’s murder, reactions and responses occurred across all levels of the US, including statements from CEOs and corporate America more generally. These commitments were initially seen as a much needed stance to right the systemic racial wrongs the US has faced for centuries.
Seramount recently published From Pledge to Progress: Corporate America One Year After George Floyd’s Death, which details the commitments from corporate America after the death of George Floyd, and how employees, including corporate executives, feel about these commitments a year later. With one out of six Black employees remaining doubtful that progress is actually going to be made, Seramount asked its DBP member companies to share with us what they are planning to honor and remember George Floyd on the first anniversary of his death. Here are some examples of how to push forward change culture that will make an impact on employees in the workplace.
Abbott
Abbott’s Black Business Network (BBN) will be hosting a panel discussion entitled ‘A Conversation with Senior Leaders on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ on May 25 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s senseless killing. Abbott employees will gather to reflect on our expanded understanding and capacity for boldly addressing uncomfortable topics. We will discuss how we, collectively and individually, have been compelled to act. This event will feature a panel of senior Abbott leaders who will share their insights, perspectives and aspirations.
Allstate
Allstate itself will recognize the day, however Allstate PRIDE, amongst other ERGs, will also make internal statements to recognize the importance of this anniversary.
American Airlines
Black Professional Network 1 Year Later Event: Recognition of George Floyd’s death serving as a catalyst to address systemic racism across the US and recognizing those that have lost their lives before him and the current reform that is in legislation now looking to be passed. Inspired by our participation in CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, American will host its annual Day of Understanding — a day that includes candid dialogue with team members about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In the first conversation, CEO Doug Parker talks with a Black Professional Network (ERG) leader and our Director Global Diversity Equity & Inclusion. In Part 2, our Vice President Global People Operations and Diversity & Inclusion speaks with Senior Vice President of Global Engagement on our progress against our nine commitments announced last summer.
Baxter International, Inc.
On May 25, Baxter will internally share a video message featuring the reflections of various company leaders and employees on the murder of George Floyd and the lessons that can be derived from this tragedy.
Cigna
Our African American/Black ERG is hosting a “Take Charge of your Health”: Coping with Racial Trauma webinar for employees on May 25. The physician panel session will discuss coping with racial trauma one year after the death of George Floyd.
Element Fleet Management
Our Black Employee BRG is hosting an open forum to allow employees to continue to process and heal one year after George Floyd’s murder.
Estee Lauder Company
Estee Lauder Companies will be updating our commitments to Racial Equity since our first communication in June 2020.
HSBC Bank USA
HSBC will be observing an momentary of 9 minutes and 31 seconds, which signifies the length of time officer Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. HSBC will be sending out a newswire to all employees asking them to observe the momentary. In addition, the newswire will include the details for the event on June15th. The events described above are all internal, therefore they will not be shared via our social media platforms.
McDonald’s
We are planning an event that will be be a very honest conversation and dialogue between our US Chief Human Resources Officer, Tiffanie Boyd and Emmanuel Acho. The date that it will be available to our employees is TBD.
Medtronic
We will be having leadership messages sent to the African Descent Network (ADN) members from our Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, ADN Executive Sponsor, and ADN Chair. Posts on Medtronic social media channels will also be utilized to commemorate May 25th.
Seramount
At Seramount, we understand a commitment to our employees is just as important as our commitment to DEI work with our members and clients. We will be dedicating the time for reflection and learning this Friday, May 27th, to remember, honor, and cherish those in our lives that may be impacted by systemic racism and continue onward with our own education and awareness.
“One year after the murder of George Floyd and a renewed national reckoning on race, we can see where the progress exists, and can actually address what problems remain, opening up the path to real, lasting change.” Subha V. Barry, CEO of Seramount
ViacomCBS
George Floyd Anniversary Event: Brave Space Sessions with Dr. Donald Grant in partnership with the BEAT + ERG Event: A Conversation with Marva Smalls & Soledad O’Brien on how corporations have fared over the last year Event: Fireside Chat with Black Lives Matter Founder Patrisse Cullors & CBS Weekend Evening News Anchor Jericka Duncan
Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is planning on recognizing the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in multiple ways. Internally, Ulta Beauty will leverage their partnership with Heal Haus, who will host a racial trauma workshop to offer tools and wellness resources targeted to BIPOC associates. In addition, Ulta Beauty is partnering with the Equal Justice Initiative, who will host a session about Racial Justice and educate associates on what their work entails and how the effects of last summer’s racial injustice has affected their work. As a follow-up to the conversation, Ulta Beauty is hosting an internal viewing and roundtable discussion of their HBO documentary, True Justice. Lastly, Ulta Beauty leadership will recognize this important key moment through internal communication channels. Externally, Ulta Beauty will recognize the moment via their social media platforms.
