06.05.20 |  

Hi All,

I’ll preface my message with the acknowledgement that I cannot understand the experience of being Black in America, but I can stand with the Black community. I also acknowledge the frustration that must come with watching Whites in America just now waking up to the battle that is foisted on so many, day in and day out, without the privilege of stepping back for respite. Systemic racism does not allow that because its exactly that, systemic. That friction is felt in all facets of life. Every American citizen should be outraged at the senseless loss of life, and unequal treatment of the Black community.

There is no place for racism within Westfield Capital. My challenge to all - burned anew with the murders of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, along with the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on the Black community - is to proactively be anti-racist. It is not enough to not be racist. We must be anti-racist. At Westfield, I have challenged our employees at work, in our households, in our communities, in our social media, with our elected officials, and with the resources we have available, to make anti-racism systemic. In the fight for an anti-racist world, I have asked them to take an oath to combat racism, hate, divisiveness, discrimination and unfair treatment of our fellow human beings. We all have responsibility to be part of the solution.

Upon self-reflection, we have identified small but important steps that we as a firm can take today in support of this effort. Firstly, two books that we are asking all employees to read to further the dialogue are White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and How to be Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi. Additionally, Westfield is making a financial contribution to two organizations that are doing critical work in Black communities across the country, Campaign Zero and Color of Change. Westfield will also be matching employee donations to organizations of their choosing in support of this endeavor. Lastly, each employee will be granted additional time off during business hours to attend peaceful protests or to get involved in the cause in any manner.

We have to come together and truly drive positive change. Black lives matter and given the void of leadership in our great country, we must lead with grass-roots passion for justice and equality.

Will

William A Muggia
President & CEO/CIO