I am reaching out to ensure it is clearly understood that the Ottawa Board of Trade stands solidly aligned with Black Lives Matter (BLM, #blacklivesmatter).
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the families of those who have been lost to the fear and violence that many of us will never know.
I apologize for any racist acts, biases or communications that we may have intentionally or unintentionally engaged in over the last 160 years.
I confess that I have been largely unaware of the depth of this issue and will actively seek to educate myself and our team on how to address it.
I promise we will actively pursue opportunities to promote the deepest level of inclusion in our community and we will lead by example.
I will create space for conversations dedicated to the eradication of racism in our community and collaborate with those who are ahead of us on this path.
I thank all those who have been working on this issue without the attention, support and understanding that was needed to move forward together.
I am joined in this commitment by our Board of Directors and we will ensure the Board of Trade will hereby be known as inclusive and intolerant of racism.
I assure you we will address racism as an urgent issue and one that is fundamentally keeping us from our mission to create community prosperity.
I believe that we can make a difference by working together, being transparent and determined to change our community for the better.
Respectfully, Sueling
Sueling Ching, President & CEO, Ottawa Board of Trade
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