My Reflections
By Ken LaChance - Senior Vice President / Market Executive, Wells Fargo; Board of Directors, Center for Economic Inclusion
A year after the murder of George Floyd, I was struck by what stood out for me this May versus last May: that more than the “remember and honor” associated with Memorial Day was an awareness and reflection on my work toward economic inclusion, equity, and ending systemic racism.
Why is this striking? I come from a family where many men before me have served our nation, fought in wars, and even lost limbs or life to protect our freedoms. Yet here we are, in a country where many marginalized people say they are fighting within our borders for similar freedoms or opportunities.
There is no doubt George Floyd’s death sparked awareness, debate, and action by many people. Hopefully, the conversations and movement will create lasting changes at even a more rapid pace than we have seen during the last 100+ years.
As I have reflected on the anniversary of his death, I realize two things: that my legacy and efforts toward racial equity may never seem as heroic or patriotic as those of the other men in my family, and yet, this is the fight I want to be a part of and remembered for when I die. I am proud and humbled to be called an ally.
While I do not think of my small efforts to be powerful enough to win the battle nor, perhaps, even meaningfully impact this war against systemic racism, I consider myself a leader and know my actions are watched by others. I believe this is an obligation and an opportunity to help us be better.
Memorial Day is and always will be a day of remembrance and to honor those who have died in service to our country. My hope is that it is also a time to reflect upon the death of George Floyd and too many others that serves as a reminder and renewed call to action to continue our battle for economic inclusion, equity, and ending systemic racism.
ABOUT THE REFLECTIONS CAMPAIGN
After a year of reckoning with the ravages of racism in our schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and halls of justice, we see clearly that racism is deeply woven into every fiber of our society and that the consequences have touched each person in America. We see the depths of division and racism and the imperative to work in new ways to address very old problems.
The Center for Economic Inclusion invited leaders at all levels and from across sectors to share their reflections of the past year; several members of the Center’s staff have also participated. We wanted to learn how they have reckoned with racism over the past year; what is different in the places where they live, work, and play; what they think the the future holds; and what they think it will take to reimagine and build an economy that truly works for everyone.
We thank the leaders who answered our call to participate in this campaign. All week long, we will share their powerful reflections, in their own words.
> To engage with our entire Reckoning to Rise Together series, click here.