We are currently witnessing the most widespread civil unrest in America since the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King, due to disproportional impact of continued racial injustice, Covid-19, and economic depression on the African American community.
During this time in our history, it is important for AvePoint to articulate our stance on diversity, inclusion, and allyship, as well as our absolute objection towards racism of any kind.
We are all in this together as a global family connected by our common fears, anxiety and humanity. We support our Black and African American colleagues–that their lives and culture matter.
Nearly everyone on AvePoint’s Senior Leadership Team is a first-generation immigrant, we fought hard to integrate into our new home country. We are grateful for the opportunity—the American Dream—that is the ideal of America.
And as an Asian American immigrant, I’ve always been mindful and many times a personal witness of racism in our beloved country. But of course, nothing can really prepare us for the crisis of 2020, the social-economical, the psychological, and the uncertainties of it all.
Events in the world and around our lives do directly impact our work life and our work family. I especially appreciate Shenequa Golding’s blog on “Maintaining Professionalism In the Age of Black Death Is… A Lot” where she beautifully articulated that
“…I don’t know who decided that being professional was loosely defined as being divorced of total humanity, but whoever did they’ve aided, unintentionally maybe, in a unique form of suffocation…”
With this in mind, it would not be healthy for us to assume all is normal for all of our colleagues as we go about our everyday work. Let’s be empathetic and mindful while expressing support and understanding when appropriate. As a company, we are:
- Educating ourselves and learn how we can be more inclusive and overcome biases. Here’s a resource guide to become a better ally, educate and expose yourself to new ideas and understandings about both systemic and interpersonal racism.
- Support national and local organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund that advances the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.
- Encouraging AvePointers to engage in an open dialogue to learn and help each other during these extraordinary times.
While American cities burn with angst and frustration, there is always hope in American ingenuity and world leadership.
As a final take away, I like to leave you with a quote from the book “American Politics, the Promise of Disharmony” by Samuel P Huntington:
“…Critics say that America is a lie, because its reality falls so far short of its ideals. They are wrong, America is not a lie, it is a disappointment. But it can be a disappointment only because it is also a hope…”
As an entrepreneur and first-generation immigrant, I am optimistic and hopeful America will come out of these difficult times stronger, more self-aware, and less divided. Working together, we will heal our wounds and overcome the divisiveness that has dominated our country for the past years. Let’s spread kindness, extend grace, and be an ally.
