Neal & Harwell is heartbroken by the homicides of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. These and other recent tragedies have shaken us to our core and reminded us that our ideals of liberty, justice and equality remain illusory for far too many of our fellow Americans.

As Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall said, “Racism separates, but it never liberates. Hatred generates fear, and fear once given a foothold; binds, consumes and imprisons. Nothing is gained from prejudice. No one benefits from racism.”

We stand united with those who are using their voices to say: no more. We need accountability; we need change; we need justice. And we need them now. We recognize that the phrase “Black Lives Matter” is not intended to divide. Rather, it is a call to end violence and systemic racism toward Black people, for the benefit of ALL people, regardless of race and in accordance with the affirmations made in our Constitution and its amendments. No more lives can be taken without consequences. We must directly confront this national crisis and the contributing causes, which are many.

Those of us who enjoy the privilege of practicing law have ethical and moral obligations not only to speak out against racism and discrimination, but also to work to end inequality and injustice in its many forms in our society. For decades, Neal & Harwell has supported organizations that serve to make the change we wish to see, and we know that promoting equality means more than just making donations.

Neal & Harwell stands firmly opposed to all forms of discrimination, bigotry and intolerance, and remains dedicated to fostering a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all. We also recognize that it takes more than words and we join in the call for systemic change.