Below is a Letter from Gary Keller to Keller Williams associates on June 1, 2020.
Since the writing of this letter, Keller Williams has created a new role within the franchise. The Social Equality Ambassador (SEA) is responsible for bringing a spirit of inquiry to the offices they serve to create recommendations for action to eliminate any racial disparity within the company.
Which is another one of the many reasons why I love being in business with Keller Williams, the culture here is absolutely unmatched.
The one thing I have learned the most from the recent events surrounding the murder of George Floyd is that it’s critical to not only say something about it, but to do something about it.
There has been a reckoning and we will all learn what that means to each one of us. What I do know is that the more I educate myself, the more shocked I am at the racial injustice and inequalities that persist and are still relevant today.
Black Lives Matter and it's time to listen, learn, and speak up in support of those creating change.
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Dear Keller Williams family,
I’d like to make one thing clear: Racism is wrong and Keller Williams stands with the Black community and wholeheartedly supports equality.
Right now, communities across America are experiencing tremendous pain. This pain builds and grows exponentially with each name: George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. Eric Garner. Sandra Bland. Michael Brown, and too many more. Each person had a story, a family, a home, and a life that mattered that was taken away from them.
To our Black Keller Williams associates and clients: We are with you. You matter. Your family, friends, and community matter. Your lives matter. You are in our hearts and in our prayers.
The truth is that racial injustice and inequality persists. And, in order to help change that, it’s critical to not only say something about it, but to do something about it. I believe that the real estate community has a unique opportunity to promote healing and reform. The first step is reflection and thoughtful self-examination. Then, we listen. We learn. We speak up. That’s how change happens. We know many of you are past this stage. And, from you, we need your leadership.
Effective immediately, we are creating a task force of our International Associate Leadership Council to come forward with recommendations for action to eliminate any racial disparity within our company, our industry, and how we can lead the way in the communities where we live and work. I will be reaching out to your regions immediately to ask for a nomination from each to join us in this critical effort. I’m proud of the company we’ve built together, but I know in my heart that we can do more. I believe we can also set an example within the industry by committing more of ourselves to a better, and equitable future.
We can all do something. Lead a conversation in your market center and commit as a family to create change. Reach out to your local real estate board and make sure that racial equality is reflected in their positions. Ask if they support initiatives and measures crucial to racial and social justice. Then, get involved in those you believe in.
Now is also the time to check in on each other, speak our truths, and listen with an empathetic ear. While we may not be able to come together in person, we can make a difference. Call, video chat, text, and support each other during this unbelievably challenging time.
Take heart. And, take care of each other. While pain and hate brought us to this moment, love will help us find our way out. Onward …
Gary