The events of the last week overlaid upon the stress of living through a pandemic has been challenging for us as a nation and for each of us individually. The recent deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and Breonna Taylor in Kentucky reinforce and bring into sharp focus the systemic racism and inequality that has gripped our nation since its founding. These are only the latest in a series of events that define an unacceptable reality that in this country people of color are not afforded the same rights and privileges that those of us that have a white European genealogy enjoy. This cannot continue. Our profession and our firm must act and do what we can to effect change. IKM is committed to fostering a work environment supportive of equity, diversity and inclusivity.
Over the next week we will re-convene the Workplace, Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (WEDI) strategic initiative group and look at how we can improve our efforts and our commitments to one another. We will redouble our approach to recruit from historically black colleges and universities. When we return to our hiring mode we will work fervently towards a more diverse workforce. We encourage each of you to consider becoming members or volunteering your time to organizations that work at breaking down barriers and combating social injustices such as NOMA and Ace Mentoring, both of which the firm will continue to financially support.
We support each of you in your efforts to express your frustration and concern for our nation. We believe in the right of free speech and non-violent actions. We believe in justice for those whose rights and liberties have been violated. We believe that the disdainful, criminal actions of some law enforcement officers does not reflect the heart of every person who wears a police uniform. We believe that true change can only occur when we act courageously within our spheres of influence. We believe each of us have a role to play. We believe each of us can make a difference.
John Schrott – IKM Incorporated | President