QUOTE OF THE DAY “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” – Alice Walker COVID-19 UPDATE The crisis lifecycle dictates what messages should get your focus. See the graph from McKinsey & Co. that maps the journey of a crisis response and offers a guide on how to address messages to stakeholders like employees and consumers. Taking a stance on racial justice will boost trust. As audiences have grown to demand that organizations advocate for their values around race and equality, the data suggest that brands are less likely to lose trust if they speak up than if they stay silent. Publix won’t budge on ban of pro-BLM apparel for employees. The grocery chain says that the attire goes against its policies around political speech. NBC News reported: In a statement sent to NBC News, Publix spokeswoman Maria Brous said the company does not accept racism, but the uniform policy will hold. "At Publix, we reject racism and believe diversity makes our company — and our community — better," Brous said. "Our focus remains on ensuring a welcoming work and shopping environment for all associates and customers. Our uniform policy does not permit non-Publix messaging on clothing or accessories." Develop a resource library on racial equality and diversity. By developing a trove of resources on the subject, you can help educate your workforce and drive positive outcomes. Here are some other ways you can engage the black community right now. Amazon chief Jeff Bezos encourages employees to take time on Juneteenth for learning. Though some companies like Twitter have given employees the day off to celebrate the end of slavery in the U.S., Amazon is keeping offices open but encouraging employees to use the day for reflection. Bezos wrote: I’m cancelling all of my meetings on Friday, and I encourage all of you to do the same if you can. We’re providing a range of online learning opportunities for employees throughout the day. Please take some time to reflect, learn, and support each other. Slavery ended a long time ago, but racism didn’t. PR leaders must address diversity within the industry. Here’s how some PR pros see the problem in the communications field and why another round of statements and platitudes fall short of the commitments the industry must undertake to thrive. Google promises investments for racial equity. In a note that was published as a blog post, CEO Sundar Pichai said the company is planning to increase “Black+ representation” in the leadership of the company and invest in training and programs to help Googlers of color and eradicate bias. He wrote: Listening to the personal accounts of members of our Black Leadership Advisory Group and our Black+ Googlers has only reinforced for me the reality our Black communities face: one where systemic racism permeates every aspect of life, from interactions with law enforcement, to access to housing and capital, to health care, education, and the workplace. Adidas spurns letter from employees on diversity and inclusion. A letter signed by 83 employees was rejected by the company shortly after it pledged to increase diversity and representation in the organization. The letter had requested external help in investigating the company’s strategy. CNN wrote: Adidas, which also owns Reebok, said in a statement that it "rejects all statements" made in the employee letter. The company said last week it has a zero tolerance policy for retaliation, and that it has established a third party investigator to ensure this policy is upheld. "Adidas and Reebok have always been and will always be against discrimination in all forms and we stand united against racism," the company said in a statement to CNN. "Our Black employees have led the response that we will continue to implement together and that we have committed to as a company. We are now concentrating our efforts on making progress and creating real change immediately." Lloyd’s of London addresses history with the slave trade. The bank, which rose to prominence in the 17th and 18th century insuring shipping, much of which was involved in slavery, is taking time to address its history publicly. Reuters reported: “We are sorry for the role played by the Lloyd’s market in the 18th and 19th Century slave trade - an appalling and shameful period of English history, as well as our own,” Lloyd’s said. “Recent events have shone a spotlight on the inequality that black people have experienced over many years as a result of systematic and structural racism that has existed in many aspects of society and unleashed difficult conversations that were long overdue.” Companies including Microsoft and Walmart join the #RecoverStronger Initiative. The group hopes to help prioritize worker well-being and make a positive impact on communities as business starts to reopen after the OCVID-19 crisis. How can you work with employers in your community on better outcomes for your stakeholders? Virtual Conference Alert Join us for Ragan’s Remote Employee Engagement &Culture Virtual Conference on Tuesday, July 21 to learn internal comms strategies and best practices to meet the challenges of the new reality. Join our Crisis Leadership Board Ragan’s Crisis Leadership Board is the resource you need before, during and after the crisis. As a Board member, you have access to all back issues of this newsletter—as well as research, data, case studies, checklists, tip sheets, articles and other resources—plus a peer-to-peer discussion board and an all-access pass to the annual Crisis Management Conference. Sponsorship/Advertising Opportunities Contact Hannah Lavelle at [email protected] with sponsorship and advertising inquiries. Pitch Us Have a great story to share about crisis communication or your own take on current best practices? Contact Editor Ted Kitterman at [email protected]. Sign Up Subscribe to Ragan’s Crisis Daily newsletter today. | 
