Corporate Social Responsibility: How It Can Be Used To Bridge The Racial Gap and Help Heal America

The dos and don’ts to get it done

It’s no secret that America is divided along racial lines right now. One only needs to watch the television or read any newspaper and it is readily apparent that our nation is in turmoil.

The chant that Black lives matter is reverberating around the world. The woeful outcry by black businesses that they are being decimated by the Coronavirus pandemic and a lack of access to funds to keep them afloat seems to be muffled in the midst of all of the chatter, clutter, and noise.

Black lives have been impacted and devastated by COVID-19 more than any other race or culture. A lot of lip service is given to the conditions of this sad state but the economic and social wheels aren’t turning very fast to turn things around.

It appears there is little relief in sight for the plight of black people and black businesses. This is a recipe for the dashing of hope and creates a crucible for the eruption of violence from whence this great country might never rebound.

My cry is “America is better than this.” My rhetorical question is where can we look to find a solution that can make the greatest impact in a short time.

The answer that comes back to me like a loud echo reverberating from the mountains is “Corporations must step up and do their part. They are the economic fabric of America.”

Corporate money bags have been filled with COVID-19 stimulus money at the expense of small businesses.

Over a hundred big public corporations took money that should have gone to small business

I am appalled and outraged with the news that corporations are the beneficiaries of almost all of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) money recently provided through the COVID-19 Stimulus package.

A recent list of stimulus fund recipients shows corporations gleefully scarfed up funds that should have gone directly to small businesses.

Black and other minority businesses, including women, that need the money most still struggling to gain access to funds to stay afloat. Yet, they’ve received the least amount of help to save their businesses.

According to an ABC news report, 90% of minority and women-owned businesses have not received any stimulus money

Billionaire West Virginia Governor Jim Justice got money that should have gone to small businesses. This does not bode well for healing open wounds.

Black women, the fastest-growing segment of small businesses in America, cannot get assistance to help them move forward and make a living for themselves and create opportunities for the employment of others.

Corporations have captured the democratic process of America and hold it hostage

America faces a crisis of corporate capture of democratic government, where the economic power of corporations has been translated into political power with disastrous effects for people’s lives.

The reality is that corporations are effectively in control of America through the power of money and the influence that it brings. They sway the appointment of voted legislators through the political funding they provide.

They influence the making of rules and regulations through the process of lobbying.

They have a huge effect on communities because they employ great numbers of people who depend on them for their income and livelihood.

In effect, they can control the Government and non-Government activities of America. Because of this control, through the concept of Corporation Social Responsibility, corporations can have a tremendous influence on the current racial relations gap in America and help heal our land.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable — to itself, its stakeholders, and the public.

By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.

To engage in CSR means that, in the ordinary course of business, a company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to them.

Using this definition as a benchmark or measuring stick it becomes clear that the goal of corporate social responsibility is not being met.

However, I hasten to say that many corporations are making a valiant effort and where they are they are being rewarded by a showing of an increase in their bottom line. This shows that corporate social responsibility is not only the right thing to do it is also a profitable thing to do.

How corporate social responsibility can have an immediate impact on the healing of America’s wounds.

The Harvard Business Review outlines 10 commitments corporations can make and keep to advance racial justice and help heal our land.

A part of those commitments requires transparency. Corporate leadership gives a lot of lip service to social and racial justice and how they are committed to it. However, the record shows they often fail to “walk what they talk.” Action must be taken by giving serious orders from the top down and making sure that the whole organization gets it and that there are dire consequences if goals are not met.

Leadership — Good leaders serve as good models. Leaders can lead by example and provide a safe workplace where all employees feel respected and included.

As it pertains to the current environment, leaders can be open about their lack of knowledge and share their growth and experiences with their workforce. Openness and showing the vulnerable parts of leadership is not a weakness. It is a strength.

When employees, the community, and society see corporate empathy coupled with action a positive change will rush in like the mighty roar of the ocean.

Don’t tolerate discrimination within the workplace. period.

Corporations should review their policies regarding equal employment opportunity and workplace discrimination. Though most employers articulate such policies as a matter of course, it is important to reinforce these policies and remind employees of what is expected of them and to reassure employees who may be feeling vulnerable that equity and inclusion are top of mind.

Create a culture of tolerance, empathy, and interaction within the workplace

Corporations must educate their employees about prejudice and racism in its various forms. They must also be vigilant to monitor the day to day interactions between employees from different cultures and racial backgrounds.

It’s evitable that employees will have confrontations within the workplace with some supporting Black Lives Matter and others who feel that statement itself is racist and will counter with slogans and code words like “Make America Great Again. (MAGA). These potential hotbeds must be cooled as soon as they occur while at the same time fostering a working environment of tolerance, empathy, and equitable interaction.

Community Involvement

Community involvement by corporations is paramount in helping to eradicate racism and to uplift the economic status of black lives and black businesses. Remember the definition and mission of “corporate social responsibility”.

Corporations can publicly support communities in the form of donations or activism. Doing so can create a sense of pride among the workforce, and it can also help in attracting future hires that share the principles of the corporate workplace.

Churches should be a target for corporate social relationships within the black community. Churches have always been the foundation and fabric for connecting with the black community and with their businesses.

Often within the black church is where the best leaders have been groomed to enter into society and make a difference for the better. This bastion of potential is a lost cause for most corporations. They don’t have a clue.

If they are really serious about community outreach and making a difference to black people, churches should not be overlooked.

Supplier Diversity

Through the corporate supply chain, a huge difference can be made by utilizing black and other minority businesses that are qualified to provide raw materials, equipment, supplies, and support to large corporations.

Moving corporate social responsibility from concept and lip service to action and measuring results will help America’s ship sail in the right direction and reach a peaceful shore.

Through the measures outlined in this article, along with the hundreds of thousands of individual Americans and people around the globe that have awakened and are heeding the call to justice, equality, and inclusion racism, discrimination, and separatism will be banished. People of goodwill will not have it any other way.

The question is how long will it take? How will it be accomplished?

To each of these questions, my response is it’s up to you and me. You see, its individuals that support the corporations.

It’s individuals that buy their goods and services. Without individuals, corporations cannot be sustained.

Individually and collectively, we can make a difference. Do your part to send the message.

Don’t shop where racism is supported or tolerated as if it doesn’t exist. Don’t buy where Blacks, Hispanics, Women, and other disenfranchised persons are slighted or ignored.

Collectively, your efforts and mine can make a difference even in the corporate board room. The next step is up to you.