We Must Be The Change - Magazine - Page 22
COMMITMENT: Open dialogue
Meetings held across
system to discuss race
Candid talks help identify challenges
Black employees face at work and
beyond
The Southern Company Management Council convened
a special meeting with Black leaders across the
system in June to discuss race within our system and
the demands for justice across the country following
the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks,
George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
After that meeting, CEO Tom Fanning in a memo to all employees
encouraged everyone to continue these talks. Fanning wrote,
“We must continue to listen, learn and understand.”
“I want these sessions to continue and for each of our Black
employees to have the chance to be heard on this topic should
they want to. We want our Black employees to know that we
stand with them and that Black lives matter,” Fanning added.
Across the Southern Company system, discussions have
continued over the last six months in various ways: small
groups discussions, forums, training opportunities, video
series, podcasts and more.
“In the beginning, I was skeptical about discussing these issues
in a workplace setting,” said Pierre Canidate, client services
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WE MUST BE THE CHANGE
lead at Southern Company Corporate Communication. “But
after meeting weekly, I began to feel more comfortable about
being honest with my colleagues who were always open to
listening and understanding things from my point of view.”
Canidate participates in a small group that meets to discuss
race, other relevant subjects and current events. Chris
Womack, now president of Georgia Power, encouraged the
groups within SCS External Affairs.
“I am grateful to be a part of a group of people who are
committed to learning about race and ways to be better
advocates for themselves, their communities and families,”
added Kendra Marshall, communications specialist at
Southern Company Corporate Communication.
The small groups create safe spaces for team members
to discuss difficult and emotional topics. Group members
spend time listening to each other and candidly sharing
their experiences.
“Talking about race is not easy. However, it is important that
we create an environment where it is okay for employees to
be uncomfortable and vulnerable,” Womack said. “Through
talking, learning and understanding is how we will make
meaningful personal and systemic changes to improve racial
justice in our society.”
On the opposite page are additional examples of ways
employees touching every area of the business are
advancing the conversation. →