Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly

Patricia Jacobs, Ph.D.
July 10, 2020
Community Impact


Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly

Dear Friends,

The demands for justice from around the world for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks and so many other victims of racial violence expose truths too many do not see: Racism dehumanizes us. It impoverishes us and scars our communities. It demands both honest recognition and our participation in a systemic response.

AT&T acknowledges its distinct responsibility to be part of the solution. Our Chairman and former CEO Randall Stephenson recently participated in the National Summit on Equity 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 customers, employees, facilities, and proud 143-year history of connecting people are intertwined with our communities. We embrace the interdependence of diverse communities and value the bonds of our mutuality.  As Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

We proudly believe that Black lives matter and we affirm the mandate for equitable justice. We stand in humble solidarity with all who are committed to peace, justice, forgiveness, kinship, and the common good. Our most basic human desire is our desire to belong—to be part of a community that values us. This desire, we believe, is a source of transformation, creativity, renewal, and reconciliation.

In an open letter to all elected officials, Randall states that “This is America’s moment to seize the opportunity for change, and business leaders cannot sit this one out.” My team is committed to community engagement, learning and action.  We strive to be a reliable partner for an equitable and just community.

As a member of 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.

We welcome feedback and pledge our continued alliance with Black communities. We will continue to listen for what is ours to do.

In solidarity and hope,

Patricia

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