The man in charge of one of the world’s largest brands, speaks outs against racial injustice.
Nike CEO, Mark Parker, is no stranger to voicing his opinions on current affairs of the U.S.. Just months before, he stood with other companies against the awful HB2 law in NC which is headlined as an Anti-LGBT law. Next, the CEO addresses #BlackLivesMatter. Like many of Nike’s athlete-partners such as Carmelo Anthony, Serena Williams and Lebron James, Parker is taking note of the racial tensions in America and aiming to do something about it.
If you haven’t been living under a rock, I’m sure you’re aware of the ongoing rise of police brutality and murder of African Americans with the recent deaths of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and alongside the five deaths of Police Officers in Dallas. Like many celebrities, Parker is using his platform as one of the most recognizable brands in the world, to confirm that Nike stands against bigotry, violence, and racial injustice.
Released by Fortune, the letter written to his 32,000 employees, Parker adds his voice to #BlackLivesMatter and stopping the violence:
Team,
Like many of you, I’m struggling to make sense of the incomprehensible. We have experienced heartbreaking, disturbing and challenging times in the United States. I have watched with sorrow the events that took place across the U.S. The loss and pain experienced in Minnesota, Louisiana and Dallas have left communities, institutions and even the nation tested. Our thoughts are with all those impacted and their families and friends.
Nike has a long history of supporting the marginalized and those whose voice is not always heard. In many cases our athletes have eloquently argued for change and to stop the situation. Last night, at the ESPYs, we heard athletes like LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul powerfully speak out about the issues facing society. Others, like Serena Williams, have also made their voices heard.
As a company, I’m proud that Nike takes a stand on issues that impact all of us, our athletes and society as a whole. And I am proud that Nike stands against discrimination in any form. We stand against bigotry. We stand for racial justice. We firmly believe the world can improve. We are a diverse company and, as we stated in our recent Sustainable Business Report, are firmly committed to making it more diverse and inclusive.
We cannot solve all these profound, longstanding and systemic issues. However, one thing will always be clear: discrimination in any form and racial injustice are destructive forces. And talking about these issues can help find peace and paths forward. I firmly believe we are at our best when we engage and listen to those around us, in our communities at home and at work. It’s impossible to leave our emotions and experiences outside the work place – they inform us and make us who we are.
We don’t have the answers, but it’s important to try to talk about the issues we’re facing. Antoine Andrews, VP of Diversity and Inclusion, will work with the North American leadership team in the coming weeks to help facilitate meetings at WHQ and in our NY, Chicago and LA offices to allow us to talk about what we are facing together. Conversations don’t solve everything, but dialogue will help. Our voices matter. This is your company and we want you to be heard.
In difficult times, it’s important to speak up. We cannot change the past, but we can impact the future.
Thanks,
Mark Parker
Chairman, President and CEO, NIKE, Inc.
#blacklivesmatter #stoptheviolence
The best thing about this letter is Parker adding solutions. It will take more than apologies and letters; it will take ground work and dialogue to make change happen. Nike is one of the most diverse companies, so we can understand why this is of upmost importance to the brand.
It’s amazing seeing people wanting to work together and striving to help heal the wounds of the world. Hopefully, after the meetings are over, plans are implemented and taking force.