A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear Chamber Members,
Like most, I am appalled and angered by the brutal deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, paramedic Breonna Taylor in her home in Kentucky, and countless other African-American fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles killed without cause. This is unacceptable.
We are proud of the many who have peacefully exercised their First Amendment right to protest injustice and voice their rightful concerns. However, I condemn the actions by the few who choose to pervert peaceful protest for the purpose of theft, destruction, and violence. This is an unacceptable distraction from the real issues, the ongoing disparity that afflicts African-Americans as they seek educational and economic opportunity, access to health care and affordable housing, and other standards of living that many of us take for granted.
We all have a responsibility to find ways to resolve these inequalities and begin to effectively address the issues of racial disparity in America. The Chamber is committed to do better. We need our community and its leaders to come together in a broader, deeper discussion, an honest and empathetic dialog about race and equality for all.
I recently was approached by two young Chamber leaders who are ready to lead this conversation: Nadia Alcide, Mortgage Biz of Florida and Zuly Mendoza-Gayle, founder of Freaks of Air. This conversation must include more voices; Nadia and Zuly need the involvement of Hollywood leaders. Join us and help us shape the future of our community. Contact the Chamber at 954 923-4000 or email marie@hollywoodchamber.org We are all in this together.
Best,
Marie Suarez, IOM
CEO / Executive Director
Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce