My role as the minority leader in the Tennessee state Senate is crucial in ensuring that every voice in our community is heard.
In June, we began the “Freedom to Be Heard” summer field hearing tour at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. This location holds historical significance as it is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated.
Together with Representative Karen Camper, a Democrat from Memphis and the House minority leader, we hosted a gathering of leaders from diverse fields, including business, healthcare, education, and law, to deliberate on the crucial significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.
The purpose of this event extended beyond merely reacting to the constant political attacks on diversity initiatives. It served as an opportunity to reinforce the idea that our inclusivity is what makes us a strong society.
Over the last few months, Tennessee’s conservative-controlled legislature and public officials have been rejoicing over the end of affirmative action in higher education. They are also proposing bans on DEI initiatives in public universities, enacting laws to restrict free speech in education, and even threatening legal action against companies that promote inclusive business practices.
Our progress towards building a fair society is being hindered by these actions.
Leaders from FedEx to Amazon affirmed the value of DEI
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During the Memphis hearing, various esteemed individuals shared their valuable insights. Notable speakers included representatives from prominent organizations such as FedEx, Rhodes College, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Mid-South Minority Business Council, Shelby County Health Department, and Memphis Urban League, among several others.
During the event, attendees were moved by the impactful stories shared by individuals who spoke about the significance of DEI initiatives. It was made clear that these initiatives are not just a nice-to-have, but rather an essential component for creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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- Rose Flenorl of FedEx, the international delivery giant based in Memphis, emphasized that inclusive business practices are crucial for growth and profitability in a diverse world. “It’s no secret that diversity creates stronger communities and workforces,” Flenorl said. “Diversity, equity and inclusion at FedEx is fueling collaboration and enabling us to attract, retain and nurture a skilled workforce that drives business performance and sustainability.”
- At our Nashville hearing this July, Tonya Hallett, a vice president at Amazon which operates a corporate office and 12 fulfillment centers in Tennessee, echoed those comments, saying diversity, equity and inclusion is “essential” to the company’s business model. “Our customers represent a wide array of genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, military statuses, backgrounds, and political views,” Hallett testified. “It is critical that Amazon employees are also diverse, fostering a culture where inclusion is the norm.”
- Dr. Michelle Taylor from the Shelby County Health Department highlighted how discriminatory practices from the past have shaped inequities in the social landscape today from housing and health outcomes to education and economic mobility. Taylor emphasized that more direct reform is needed to repair past injustices.
- Monica Newport from Latino Memphis spoke passionately against new legislative efforts to divide some citizens, specifically anti-immigrant legislation. Newport explained how such policies demonize our neighbors and create barriers to employment and education, thereby stifling economic development.
Struggle for civil rights has not ended and must continue
In the initial two field hearings, a clear pattern has surfaced from the testimony of over three dozen individuals: neglecting the voices of communities in the workplace, be it in the corridors of power or corporate boardrooms, leads to the underutilization of talents and unaddressed needs.
The impact of these consequences is extensive, influencing various aspects ranging from the well-being of the general public to the financial stability of an economy.
As we gathered at the Lorraine Motel, we were reminded of the unrelenting battle for civil rights and the continuous need to strive for justice and inclusivity. The experience reconfirmed our dedication to guaranteeing that every Tennessean is given a chance to voice their opinions and establish a prosperous life.
I intend to hold an additional field hearing in East Tennessee this summer to keep these crucial discussions going.
Let’s unite to resist policies that aim to create division and instead strive towards building a Tennessee that embraces and utilizes the strength of its diversity. It is crucial for our future success.