All Americans can take pride in the peaceful transfer of presidential power that took place on January 20th. Inauguration Day is a reminder of the strength and fortitude of our democracy and the immense responsibility worthy of respect and protection. The pride that America feels toward the successful adherence to constitutional process must also inspire determination to address the significant challenges that lie ahead.
The United States is at a critical point in our nation’s history. The events of the past year have proven that there is no more important time for all of us to stand against hatred and stand up for all— including the vulnerable and underserved communities. Businesses and individuals have an obligation to call out injustices and work for a more equitable and just society. Business should stand firmly for inalienable rights to be treated equally as guaranteed by our Creator and Constitution. This process should not be driven by whether someone meets a particular political litmus test, but as a testament to their right of free speech and the pursuit of happiness regardless of party, color, creed, origin or orientation.
These great states remain in the midst of a prolonged pandemic that has exacerbated the already dire financial instability that many Americans have been facing. Now is the time to focus on what can be done and implement positive change in all aspects of life. In your personal life, reach out and make a difference where you can. Feel free to have and express beliefs while allowing others to feel free to hold theirs. It should no longer be just about “corporate social responsibility” as a cliché— but business allowing each person to make a difference in everything they do at work and in their personal lives.
With regard to business, Atlanta was long known as “The City Too Busy to Hate.” The message behind that is about working together to ensure that economic success helps all people and raises all boats. Through economic success in our professional lives, all can then have resources to support our varied personal causes. By seeing race, gender, culture, etc. in a neutral environment, we open doors for greatness of a unified effort using all talent and ideas. No judgments, just freedom of all to be who they are. To paraphrase the great Atlantan Martin Luther King Jr., ‘Let’s judge not by classifications and suppositions, but by the strength of character and fortitude.’ With that, let’s focus on work, do it with excellence, while serving our clients. That will allow you to develop financial stability to focus on and support your personal causes. “United” has been the key part of “US.” It is where strength to influence the world comes. “United” is just as important for business. As the late coach Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort: That is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
Finding people doing great things and recognizing them is a strength and great thing in itself. As American writer Jim Stovall emphasizes: “You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.”
Respect, disagreement, debate and peaceful decision making for the greater good is our heritage and hopefully will be our legacy. Now is the time to be kind to each other in all manners and find ways to work through issues together. Such a plan for business will help build financial health for all so we can have a positive future for all people.
Atlanta attorney John Hall Jr. is the chairman of the Hall Booth Smith firm.
