RCMA’s Response to Racial Injustice

RCMA’s Response to Racial Injustice

Serving our community of meeting and hospitality professionals is a remarkable privilege. We are in awe of the work that you do each day to create welcoming spaces of connection, inspiration and meaning. Our affiliation with each other is so much more than an association; we are connected by genuine friendship and care for each other as a “family”. Our nurturing relationships are our greatest strength. 

When members of our community hurt, we hurt with them (Romans 12:15). Racism in any form–explicit or implicit–is unacceptable. Recent events have drawn attention to the ongoing systemic racial discrimination that our African American brothers and sisters experience. The pain of mistreatment and inequality continues to profoundly impact many of our friends and colleagues. We hurt with you, and extend our care and support to you.

RCMA continues to be committed to promoting equality and celebrating diverse voices in our community. MOSAIC: RCMA’s Diversity Commission, was reaffirmed by our Board of Directors in June 2019. This key initiative will guide us to embody our values, and more intentionally talk about issues of injustice. Through all of our platforms, RCMA will continue to expand our multi-cultural awareness and elevate conversations on racial equality.

This is a significant moment for us to extend care to one another, especially those that are suffering from the pain of injustice and loss. Set aside time now to connect with friends and colleagues. Be present, listen and learn from each other. We, the RCMA leadership, open our hearts and hands to you. Let’s reach out to each other to collaborate and embrace new ideas and actions to bring healing to our nation and help us move forward in love. The care that we offer one another now is the beginning of change, and the building blocks of a brighter future.

Dr. Keith Kershaw
RCMA Board Chair

Dr. Harry Schmidt
RCMA President / CEO