In a letter to employees, Atlas Research leadership addressed the issues of racism and social justice.
Where We Are Now, How We Move Forward
It has been a turbulent few weeks since our last all-staff communication. The trauma imposed by the overlapping national tragedies of COVID-19 and graphic video of the murder of George Floyd – along with a string of other killings of Black people – continue to rip at the fabric of society. Traumatic though this ongoing national experience may be, it has served the important purpose of awakening some to, and reminding others of, America’s long and troubled history of racism manifested in unconscionable health disparities, state-sanctioned violence, and unequal opportunity. For those who had any illusion that we were living in a post-racial society, the curtain has been pulled. And we welcome, in the fine tradition of America’s Boston Tea Party and the Civil Rights Movement it inspired, the multi-racial protest movement that is calling the country to be and do better.
More Reflections from Mark
In our last email, we asked for thoughts and suggestions around which the company might come together in these unsettling times. We received a few responses, some calling for an examination of equity of opportunity here at Atlas, which is timely and appropriate despite a long history of being among the most diverse companies in the government contracting industry; others calling on us to emulate the sloganeering of companies – like the video streaming services that posted “Black Lives Matter” movie lists on their landing pages; and we continue to explore other approaches that might be more imaginative. I’ve spent the weeks since listening: listening to employees, who have shared their concerns; to my sons, whom I’ve taught since they were chest-high how to survive encounters with the Derek Chauvins of the world; to two cousins of mine – one a security guard at the VA Central Office, the other an ex-convict; to several hundred students at The George Washington University, whom I had the opportunity to engage with as I led townhall meetings and roundtable discussions related to race; to three lifelong friends who, along with me, were wrongfully accused of a crime and beaten by the police just blocks from the law school in which I was enrolled; to my white neighbors, who, with their children, stood on the four corners of an intersection holding signs that read “Black Lives Matter;” and, lastly, to my father, who walked away from a protest of a segregated lunch counter in Richmond, Virginia – just a few years before I was born – after a little white girl he guessed to be 11 or 12 spat in his face. There were as many opinions about what should be done, and how, as there were people I listened to.
For me, the takeaways were two-fold: (1) continue to engage, listen, and discuss; and (2) do what you can where you are, now. The first of these we will do as a company, providing our employees most directly impacted by current events – as well as any others who wish to join in the discussion – a place and opportunity to come together and share perspectives. The second we will offer as a challenge: in the spaces we inhabit – virtual or physical – as we work, let’s be more thoughtful, empathetic, and kind – kindnesses being such easy things to show each other. We will move forward aggressively on the new corporate initiatives being developed (e.g., establishment of a diversity and inclusion committee, more robust diversity/inclusion training, a more strategic approach to minority outreach/recruitment); but along with those things, simple acts of kindness and empathy go a long way at a time when we are challenged to remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.
More Reflections from Ryung
The events of the past few weeks continue to weigh heavily on us. Frankly, words seem inadequate in contrast to actions, but it remains important to express our collective solidarity with our colleagues and fellow citizens raising their voices for social change and racial justice. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of society, and the recent civil unrest has exposed the fault lines of racial inequities further still. The new landscape continues to be shaped, and we are still finding our footing on this new terrain. We all know that individual and institutional racism is corrosive, and Atlas Research has always denounced discrimination and prejudice of any kind. In our last communication, we asked everyone to be more reflective on an individual level, to engage in the corporate dialogue on our collective responsibilities, and to support our company’s ongoing commitment to social justice causes more generally. We reaffirm our support for all of our employees regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation and encourage everyone to participate in our ongoing dialogues as we seek to heal as a community and as a nation.
Sometimes the world feels like it is upside down. Many folks are rightfully angry. Others feel helpless or alienated. Still others seem ambivalent about the dramatic events we are witnessing today. And, there are times when there is a great deal of ugliness all around. In the midst of such times, leaders and people of good conscience must cross the lines that divide us to remind each other of our common humanity and to understand, appreciate, and respect each other’s opinions and perspectives. One of my favorite philosophers (sorry to quote from another book) is Epictetus, who famously said, “ta eph’hemin, ta ouk eph’hemin” or “what is up to us, what is not up to us.” He suggests that the world is constantly testing us, challenging us with adversity and obstacles, things that may hurt or frustrate us, when we are blocked and thwarted by things that are outside our control. The capacity to focus on things as they really are, the imperturbable calmness, and the slowing down of our thoughts to understand our inner willfulness and determined choices – these are the things that are “up to us” to nurture as we seek to live meaningfully within an often chaotic world and to bring about impactful and important change. It is but one voice, but one that speaks to how I personally feel in the moment. We appreciate everyone’s ongoing contributions to our civil discourse and encourage you to continue to reach out. Thank you.
Onward and upward,
Mark and Ryung
Mark Chichester is the President and Co-founder of Atlas Research. Ryung Suh is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Atlas Research.