As Tony Prophet, our Chief Equality Officer at Salesforce, recently shared, “There is no perfect way to reach out to the black and brown community. I had a friend who called me recently and said, ‘I don’t know what to say, Tony, I just want to let you know I am thinking about you and support you.’ That was very meaningful to me.”

Tony has made a huge contribution to our company and community. He also gave all of us space and permission not to overthink the perception of our support, but to lean into action and just do it. 

In the last week, I’ve reached out to my black and POC friends to let them know that I’m thinking about them and their families and that I am here to support them. Each time wasn’t graceful but it was authentic. 

I’ve always been a proponent that the only way to grow is through getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Talking about the systemic racism that has plagued the US (and my own country of Canada) can be awkward. Talking and understanding our roles during this monumental moment in civil and human rights is hard, but necessary.

This is a moment for all of us: 

• It’s time for change 
• Silence is no longer an option 
• We have people in our community who are anxious and reeling with the events of the last few weeks (probably even longer).  We need to reach out and support them. 

What can we be asking ourselves?

• We all need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask how can we do better? 
• How can we lean into action? 
• How can we defeat the status quo?
• How can we make this country better for our children’s generation?

This is a moment of crisis that is an opportunity to change this country for the better. Let’s all come around the same table and move forward together. 

If you want to see a good dialogue, watch Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff in conversation with Mellody Hobson (Co-President Ariel Investments), Ebony Beckwith (Chief Philanthropy Officer, Salesforce), and LL Cool J.

Watch Here

Colin