The recent killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis leaves me angry and sad. I have long been disheartened as well by the many other deaths and harassment of African Americans and people of color by police and individuals. Racism and discrimination of any kind has no place in our society and yet it persists. It is past time for it to end.
Any system that marginalizes and victimizes the less fortunate for the benefit of the few must change.
The poet Carl Sandberg wrote, “Have I, have you, been too silent? Is there an easy crime of silence?”
The Brick Companies will not be silent. It is more important than ever for us to engage in meaningful conversation and to take the extra time to listen to diverse points of view and to value diverse experiences.
We will continue to live out the words of our company quest but with renewed vigor to Talk Honestly and Openly, Make a Positive Difference, Add Value and Be Accountable, Build Great Relationships and Earn Loyalty, Take Risks to Create and Innovate, and Encourage Personal Growth and Community Involvement. Lastly, we will continue to examine ourselves to ensure that we are building a company environment where every employee, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender, feels respected and valued.
In the end our actions will only bring us all closer together, make our lives richer and stronger and help break down barriers in our society that have existed for so long. Together we stand but divided we will fall.
The Brick Companies stands with countless others in this fight to end discrimination in its many forms.
Lex Birney, Managing Partner The Brick Companies
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