June 7, 2020

Dear Friend,

First, let me say thank you for reading this.  I know you have been inundated, just like I have, really for months now with statement after statement from companies on their perspectives and what they are doing….first in regards to COVID-19 and now in regards to social injustice and racism.  So I very much appreciate your taking just a couple of minutes to read this letter through to the end; I promise I will make this brief and valuable of your time.

If you know me, whether as a friend, a colleague or even an acquaintance, or ever had the opportunity to interact with me directly, you already know I don’t sugar coat things, I always have an opinion and I strive to be as transparent and upfront with anyone and everyone I encounter, both personally and professionally.  It’s just one of the reasons I originally launched a blog that I call HR Raw.  I wanted to share the real, unfiltered truth about the workplace and demystify HR.  That mission remains the same today.  So in that vein, let’s get real for a moment.

Discrimination exists.

Racism occurs.

Social injustice is prevalent.

White privilege is real.

I am a white woman and I have an obligation to do more than I have to help eradicate racism. 

Here is my pledge: 

• I will continue to educate myself on the issues.  
• I will continue to identify additional ways I can support and uplift those who are disenfranchised.
• I will continue to fight against systemic causes of racism.
• I will continue to actively participate in, engage in, and encourage conversations about these difficult matters to help bring justice, healing, and equality to black people.
• I will continue to listen, openly, objectively, and empathetically to anyone who has been subjected to racism.
• I will continue to be receptive to constructive feedback, take accountability, and strive to practice what I preach.
• Through my HR work and in my life, I will continue to call out inappropriate actions, behaviors, and/or practices that promote racism, educate against them and if necessary, sever any ties or connections to organizations that or individuals who don’t align with my values.

I want to hear from you.  Call me, text me, email me, engage with me on social media.  Give me your feedback often and regularly.  Hold me accountable and call me out when I’m in the wrong!

If I can be of any support to you or anyone you know, reach out to me.  Let’s keep this dialogue going.  Let’s not let another black person die in vain and let’s not allow this conversation to end until real change happens.  I look forward to fighting this fight with you.  

Thank you for being you.  Thank you for listening to me.  Thank you for making the time.  Black lives matter.

Sincerely,
Penny Horton
Owner | HR Consultant
Who’s Your HR?
539-215-8868 Office
918-200-1448 Cell
penny.horton@hrraw.com