Taking Action Against Systematic Inequality

According to the US Constitution, race-based discrimination is illegal. And yet, progress is incremental and injustice persists. Corporations must be held accountable, as their influence on the issue is significant: as employers, suppliers, and neighbors. Some firms tout their commitment to diversity among their ranks, but results at executive levels are dismal: only 3 of the Fortune 500 companies’ CEOs are African-American. On the other hand, companies who perpetuate systemic inequality by ignoring the impacts of their businesses on communities of color are also part of the problem. Approximately 15 of the top 100 corporate air polluters emit more than 2/3 of their total air pollution in regions populated by racial / ethnic minorities.  A recent study showed that Black and Hispanic Americans inhale a disproportionate amount of air pollution, which is predominantly caused by white Americans’ consumption of goods and services. Investors can take action and make a difference.