Dear Friends,
Empathy leads to change. Change starts with us. Businesses have a big role in making it happen. AT&T acknowledges its distinct responsibility to be part of the solution to achieve equitable justice. Our Chairman and former CEO Randall Stephenson recently participated in the National Summit on Equality of Opportunity at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Listen to his interview with Gayle King and his discussion on the big role businesses have in ending racial inequality.
Our commitment to equality and non-discrimination for all must be measurable. We’re using our voice, and that of our employees and our customers, to drive impactful and lasting change in our workplaces and communities. For nearly 52 years, we have sustained our commitment of spending with Black-owned businesses. In 2019, we pledged to spend $3 billion with U.S. Black-owned suppliers by the end of 2020. As of June 30, we are nearly 90 percent there.
As a member of the Business Roundtable, AT&T is calling on Congress to pass bipartisan policing reform urgently. Led by Randall, its Racial Equity and Justice Subcommittee on Equitable Justice recently released principles for policing reform. Learn more about the Business Roundtable principles here.
Make no mistake – this is a pivotal moment in our nation’s history and the pursuit of equality for all. AT&T will not sit this one out.
As I close, it’s important to me personally to note the loss of two local heroes who championed human dignity on the global stage – Congressman John Lewis and Reverend C. T. Vivian. Their lives remind us that positive change is possible and continue to inspire us to work together to end societal injustices.
Sincerely,
Venessa
