January 6, 2021: Finding Healing and Accountability in the Face of Violence

It is imperative for business leaders, managers and executives to understand that the white supremacist insurrection that occurred across the United States on January 6, 2021 was not a one-time event. White rage, white backlash and white violence have always been the celebrated norm in our country. It also imperative that business leaders understand that this rise in white supremecist violence is directly linked to the reality that Black, brown, Asian, Latinx, Indigenous and First Nation, Immigrant and LGBTQ+ organizers are making progress in dismantling oppressive systems and building new possibilities for a future where everyone can thrive. Activists and advocates are propelling progressive values and victories into the mainstream consciousness, and continue to build collective power centered on a vision of healing and accountability. Healing and accountability are directly incompatible with the values of white supremecist's, and those that aid and abet white supremecist ideology and goals with their words, professional practices and continued inaction in the face of grave injustice.

It is time for leaders, managers and executives to step up and take a stand against white supremacy by taking actions that prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the most impacted people on their staff, people from historically disenfranchised communities. This means investing the time, energy, resources and funding into BIPOC healing, professional development, leadership and rest. This is my call to action to those with the privilege of safety in 2021.

-Bryce J. Celotto | Founder and Chief JEDI Officer, Swarm Strategy

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