Kaufman Rossin Steps up to the Challenge for Social Justice
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George Floyd’s killing has mobilized people across America to address issues of racism and social justice. These issues are older than our republic, and this reckoning comes far too late. Business leaders must find our place in this conversation. We must take real steps to create true change.
“The passionate, ongoing conversation about racism and social justice in America is well overdue. As a firm whose values include fairness, integrity and social responsibility, we recognize that we must play a role in this conversation,” said Kaufman Rossin CEO Blain Heckaman. “There is no tolerance for racism at Kaufman Rossin.”
Kaufman Rossin is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization and within the communities we serve. But where do we begin to address issues of white privilege? How can we best become allies in the fight to end racial injustice and discrimination? As protests began in Miami, we reached out to the CEO of the YWCA, Kerry-Ann Royes. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We asked Kerry-Ann what our firm should do, and she recommended participating in the YWCA’s 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge.
It’s the right first step for us, and we believe it will be for many others.
Kaufman Rossin is proud to sponsor, champion and join the YWCA’s 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge. Based on the idea that it takes 21 days to change a habit, it’s designed to create dedicated time and space for us to discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact our community. Daily learning topics are supplemented with virtual group conversations, to help participants connect with one another, and identify actionable ways to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. We believe it will help us to build more effective social justice habits, particularly those dealing with issues of race, power, privilege, and leadership.
“We must stand up for social justice and find our place in real work to eliminate racism,” says our CEO Blain Heckaman. “In reaffirming our commitment to these values, we understand that we must learn much more about the issues, to become true advocates and allies.”
I hope you’ll join us and spread the word.
Glenn Davis is a Risk Advisory Services Principal Emeritus at Kaufman Rossin, one of the Top 100 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S.
