Associated Industries of Massachusetts today joined 25 other statewide business associations in issuing a statement on systemic racism and discrimination:

“As a community of business associations, representing tens of thousands of employers across the Commonwealth, we mourn the losses and honor the memories of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and the countless other Black people who have been killed. We acknowledge the systemic oppression and racism of our country’s history.

“Racism has no place in business or anywhere in our society – it is a stain on our history and our identities both across the country and here in Massachusetts. Bigotry, hate, violence, and inaction are an insult to our collective values and we must use our voices as business leaders to ensure these practices end for the sake of those unfairly targeted, and the sustainability of the Commonwealth as a place of social and economic opportunity.

“Together, we are committed to ending systemic and institutional racism and addressing economic inequities. We will listen. We will hear. We will learn. We will act. We will hold ourselves accountable. Today we all commit to using our platform to amplify the voices of Black leaders and the calls for sustained, societal change.”

The statement was signed by:

• Associated Industries of Massachusetts
• Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts
• American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts
• Boston Municipal Research Bureau
• Amplify Latinx
• Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Boston Real Estate Board
• Massachusetts Competitive Partnership
• Massachusetts Assisted Living Association
• Massachusetts Association of Realtors
• Massachusetts Bankers Association
• Massachusetts Business Roundtable
• Massachusetts Chemistry and Technology Alliance
• Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association
• Massachusetts Non-Profit Network
• Massachusetts Package Stores Association
• Massachusetts Petroleum Council
• Massachusetts Restaurant Association
• Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
• MassEcon
• NAIOP, The Commercial Real Estate Development Association
• New England Cable & Telecommunications Association
• Retailers Association of Massachusetts
• Springfield Regional Chamber
• Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

AIM, which two years ago launched a comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiative, has committed to taking specific steps to create a just and equitable society for our Commonwealth and for our country. The organization outlined those steps in a June 13 statement entitled The World of Tomorrow Cannot Look Like the World of Today:

• We will support public policy that addresses racial discrimination.
• We will support individuals of color in business, particularly by encouraging the formation and continued success of businesses they own.
• We will meet with AIM members who are Black and brown to listen to what they expect from AIM and to develop a plan in response.
• We will gather our members to learn from one another on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• We will establish a formal program to encourage our members to be intentional in supporting businesses owned and operated by individuals of color.
• We will be an ally to organizations seeking economic and social justice for people of color.
• We will continue our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive organization that represents the full variety of businesses and business people in Massachusetts.
• We will hire and promote people of color into senior leadership positions.
• We will maintain and expand our internal training in unconscious bias.