The right thing

The peaceful demonstration on our own Fountain Square against police brutality and systemic racism on Saturday, June 6 (as shown in the image above) was historic. It was the right thing.

Other than the last time our beloved Cincinnati Reds won the World Series (1990), or the midpoint celebration of the Cincinnati 2012 World Choir Games, I don’t recall a larger crowd. It made me proud of our city, as I often am. That’s why I took and am sharing the picture above.

We always strive to do the right thing for our clients, our employees and our community. Of course, we must do better.

Our belief is simple, and it is past time that we say it aloud: Black Lives Matter.

Eight-minutes and forty-six seconds captured on video from Minneapolis has awoken a privileged class to the longstanding issues of police brutality and systemic racism. We are hopeful that, this time, change will come. We know we need to be a part of it.

For us, this change must first come from within.

We will educate ourselves and allow what we learn to guide our actions. We will hold ourselves and those around us accountable. We will champion equity not just equality. We will be more aware, more understanding, more respectful and more open, caring and loving. We know it is a privilege to take the time to do this without the burden of experiencing the daily effects of racism.

We will create a program of work that is right for us, not just for the moment, but in a way that enables us to be a part of the much-needed change. We’re taking a critical look at our internship programs, hiring process, strategic partners, professional development, community involvement and more. We will make changes.

We will also make mistakes, but we will no longer allow ignorance to be our excuse. We stand with all those fighting for change.

It’s the right thing.

About the Author: Nick Vehr

If Nick ever needs a personal slogan, a good one would be, “I’m open!” Whether catching passes as a Notre Dame football player (including from Joe Montana) or tackling any personal or professional challenge with a “We can do this!” enthusiasm, he’s open. That game attitude informs every project he takes on — and he’s taken on countless complex ones, including serving as managing director for the massive World Choir Games and founding Cincinnati 2012, Inc. to pursue designation for Cincinnati as a “U.S. Olympic Bid City.” Thanks to his varied background, from his past as a Cincinnati City Council member to his present as chair of the Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati, Nick understands the tough issues. Which is why anytime things hit the fan for a company, organization or local influencer, they call Nick.