Century Direct supports the forces of change.

Century Direct abhors discrimination of all kinds. Our published policy states “Century Direct endeavors to foster a congenial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We believe that everyone has the right to work in an environment that promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices based upon any protected characteristics including race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other factor that is protected under Federal, State or City law.” The company has a long history of working with national labor unions and other enlightened organizations that work tirelessly to bring these ideals into practice in workplaces around the country.

The events of the past several weeks make it clear that institutional racism is still rampant in this country despite the constitutional, statutory and judicial safeguards that should protect us all. Spotlighting the overreaching and downright criminal activities of some members of some police departments is a much needed thing. Speaking out loudly in the streets serves to elucidate the abhorrent and systemic abuses that these departments serve up to black, brown and other minority constituencies without consequence. Century Direct calls upon the police community to discontinue policies and procedures that unfairly target people of color. We demand that all police departments take action against rogue cops, irrespective of the fight that it will require and the money that it will cost. We insist that departments be transparent in their actions to preserve the public trust as they discipline cops. There are simply too many instances where police leadership has failed to act when it is clear that its membership has engaged in malfeasance, especially when that malfeasance is directed towards those that need their protection the most but have no voice with which to ask for it.

This necessary spotlight on police injustice, however, should not serve to cast a shadow over and thereby mask the equally egregious but subtle legal racism and classism that is woven into the fabric of American corporate life. A bright light must also be shone there because it is there where the key to the American Dream will be found; it is there where access to education, health care, financial security, prosperity, opportunity and hope are hidden in plain sight but often obscured from underrepresented communities and people of color. It is there where financial resources can be brought to bear against a government that does not act in the best interests of the people. The private sector must heed the call and come to the aid of we the people. It is our civic duty to do so.

Century Direct supports the voices that speak out in pain. We support the Black Lives Matter movement and other organizations that exist to bring justice to the historically disenfranchised. We will continue to find ways to provide opportunities to all people who enter our doors. We will learn to listen better. We now have a sharper appreciation of the need for change as the American people have taken to the streets and airways to amplify a much needed call to action. We should all be free, no matter our color or economic status. We pledge to do our part to make that happen.

Michael T. Kellogg
Chief Executive Officer
Century Direct, LLC.

Categorized in: News

This post was written by MIchael Kellogg