‘Keep The Momentum’: How Massachusetts Companies Say They’ll Start — And Continue — To Fight Racism

George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis, but his death hit home for Boston Scientific because the company has nearly 9,000 employees in Minnesota.

“We immediately held listening sessions with our executives,” said Desiree Ralls-Morrison, a senior vice president and general counsel for the medical device maker.

With or without a link to the Twin Cities, many Massachusetts firms say they are committed to confronting racism — even within their own organizations — after Floyd’s death sparked nationwide protests against police brutality and racial inequality.

In recent weeks, companies have filled their social media feeds with black boxes and statements in support of the demonstrations. Businesses say they are examining their workplaces and seeking ways to support Black communities and employees.

For Ralls-Morrison, the conversations that have followed Floyd’s killing aren’t new. She’s the only Black executive at her company — something she’s gotten used to throughout her career. But this time, she said, many white people are starting to see things differently.

“You may not be racist, but if you are not an anti-racist, you are not advancing us to where we need to be,” Ralls-Morrison said. “Being anti-racist is very different than just not being racist. And I think that is a self-reflection that many of them are coming to, frankly — that they have to actively be involved in fighting racism and fighting for social justice.”

To that end, Boston Scientific said it will donate $2.5 million to groups that tackle disparities in everything from education to health care. The company also is committing $1 million to a local social justice fund created by Black and brown executives in Massachusetts.

Ralls-Morrison said the company is accelerating efforts to diversify its leadership ranks, as well.

“There’s so many benefits to diversity in the leadership levels: to ensure that we’re getting different views, different thoughts,” Ralls-Morrison said. “And, in our view, as a company, leading to higher performance and better innovation.”

Companies are thinking about diversity and inclusion in other ways, too.

Read the rest of this story at WBUR’s website.