National Urban League President & CEO Marc Morial Calls on Businesses to Update the American Public on Racial Justice Commitments After George Floyd's Death

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2023) – Three years ago, a tragedy of untold proportions took place in Minneapolis. The world watched as Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 30 seconds, ignoring his calls for relief and eventually, killing him. The outpouring of rage and empathy that followed triggered a global racial reckoning and shook the foundations of Corporate America in unprecedented ways, and provoked promises made by corporations to address the apparent inequities that are often overlooked. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial calls on corporations to update the American people on their progress to date and renews calls for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act:

“George Floyd’s death forced millions of Americans to finally grapple with the systemic inequities that exist in this country and inspired corporations to make financial pledges and public commitments to address systemic barriers within their organizations. Three years later, not only have some of them failed to fulfill their promise, some have continued to perpetuate harm. The American people deserve real action to end racial injustice in America, and that includes holding these corporations accountable.

“We commend the work of businesses who have followed through with their financial commitments thus far and urge them to continue their efforts on a long term, systemic basis. However, we call on corporations who have yet to join our movement and encourage them to build upon these existing efforts.

“As we hold corporate America’s feet to the proverbial fire, we also renew our calls for members of Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Since its introduction, Congress has failed time and again to pass this bill in House and Senate, showing the American people that our lives do not matter. We must remain resolute in our fight for justice and ensure George Floyd did not die in vain.”