By Johanna Alonso
October 14, 2020
The Greater Baltimore Committee October 14 announced a series of steps it plans to address racial injustice and inequities within the organization and the city’s business community.
The organization also named Calvin Butler Jr., senior executive vice president of Exelon and CEO of Exelon Utilities, as its next chair during its annual meeting.
Among the steps announced by the GBC include undertaking a policy review; providing racial equity training; adopting a code of conduct committing to practices of racial equity and social justice; diversifying the board of directors; evaluating public policy positions through a framework of equity; and educating and providing resources to businesses to help them “create inclusive business environments.”
The review of GBC’s bylaws, policies and procedures will be conducted by the organization’s staff, with the goal of ensuring that those policies are inclusive. After the initial review has been conducted, a work group composed of board and nonboard members will use the results to “advise and direct our programs and initiatives pertaining to the racial equity and social justice agenda,” Donald Fry, GBC’s president and CEO said.
Racial equity training will be provided to GBC’s staff and most of its board members, likely through a nonprofit organization. According to Fry, there are several board members who have previously completed extensive racial equity training within their own organizations who may be exempt from this.
Read the complete article here.
Source: The Daily Record
Also see:
- GBC’s 65th Annual Meeting goes virtual, highlights racial equity initiative
- Baltimore Sun: Incoming Greater Baltimore Committee chair Calvin Butler will work to improve inclusion
- BBJ: ‘Let’s lead by example’: Calvin Butler, new GBC chair, calls for change
- Maryland Reporter: New GBC Board Chair emphasizes the need for racial equity and unity
- Greater Baltimore Committee Names Calvin Butler as New Chair