CXPA is shocked and saddened by the horrific mass shooting motivated by racial hate on Saturday, May 14 in Buffalo, New York. CXPA extends our deepest condolences to the Buffalo community, families, and friends of those injured and killed by this hateful act. While details are still emerging, it is known that the shooter viewed himself as a White supremacist and undertook his attack intentionally due to his hatred toward Black people.
CXPA believes that diversity strengthens organizations, communities, and the world as an organization. We hold “Connected: Strength in Diversity” as one of our three core values. Led by our Board and Diversity Advancement Committee, we encourage, seek out and embrace diverse perspectives and approaches. We realize that we can — and must — do more to contribute to a more inclusive CX profession and world. You can learn more about CXPA’s Diversity and Inclusion journey at https://www.cxpa.org/diversity.
The tragic events in Buffalo are also a reminder that we each individually can take action to make the world a more inclusive place. Here are some resources and actions related to these tragic events that you might find of interest:
- Donate to a Buffalo-area racial justice nonprofit organization. Two to consider are Open Buffalo, whose goal is “for all communities in Western New York to thrive free from discrimination and poverty” or VOICE Buffalo, whose vision is “a society of diverse communities that are empowered, informed, active, and connected to one another, where ALL people have access to the resources they need to thrive and a voice in the decisions that affect them.”
- Check in with your employee team and partners to create a safe space for conversations if they so desire. If you’d like to strengthen your skills to lead conversations related to race, check with your human resources team or refer to online resources such as this one from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
- Review the plans and measures in place to protect your staff and customers in the event of an active shooter or other threatening events.
We must continue to denounce these senseless acts of violence and move together to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and implement real change in our communities.
Nancy Porte, CCXP – 2022 CXPA Chair
Steven J Ramirez – 2022 Diversity Advancement Committee Chair
Crystal Montague CCXP – 2022 Diversity Advancement Committee Vice Chair
Greg Melia, CAE – CXPA CEO
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