The GMSDC welcomed the Supplier Diversity Community to Atlanta for the NMSDC National Conference and Exchange on October 20 – 23. This annual gathering brings together thousands of corporate decision-makers, minority business owners, procurement professionals and industry experts for workshops, keynotes, panels, matchmaking and networking opportunities focused on economic equity. The GMSDC is one of 23 affiliate councils nationwide that make up the NMSDC network, whose primary focus is creating win-win partnerships between Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firms and the corporate and governmental supply chains that need their goods and services.
The event kicked off with a Georgia Welcome reception the day before the conference, hosted by the GMSDC at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in downtown Atlanta. The NCCHR is a landmark destination that pays tribute to the major role the City of Atlanta has played in the US Civil Rights and Social Justice movement, while also serving as the home base for a global outreach organization that is training leaders and fighting for equity all over the world. In light of the ongoing developments around DE&I in America, the Center was the perfect backdrop for a gathering of thought leaders pursuing economic equity through supplier inclusion.
The highlight of the evening was a closing inspiration and call to action delivered by Nzinga ‘Zing’ Shaw, a longtime supplier diversity advocate and the CEO of Attack the Glass, LLC. Her message was so compelling that we wanted to share it with you. Her central focus revolved around the question, “What Will You Do?”
She shared from her experience as a business owner in the challenging current climate and reminded us that each of us has a responsibility to engage in activities that promote the inclusion of everyone. She referred to the obstacles faced by those who champion diversity in today’s litigious, politically partisan and adversarial climate. She reminded us of the human connection we all share as neighbors and allies, and of the importance of assuring every person’s right to safety, security and human dignity.
She laid out an action playbook for those who are willing to help, with multiple options for advocacy and engagement on behalf of one another. After spelling out a comprehensive list of ways to make a difference, she then challenged us with the central question…What will you do? She closed her remarks with a rousing call to action, punctuated by the major opportunities we all have to help someone, be an ally, participate in our political process and help shape the future we want to see.
In these fraught times, we are all compelled to look at the state of our world and make principled decisions about how we can help. We then must act with intention to shape the future we will leave to our children. The full text of her remarks are available here. The question on the floor remains, “What will you do?”
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