I’m trying to find the words that come to mind when I think of the few weeks since our last newsletter. Reflection comes to mind. Reflection only because I truly am running out of words… Reflecting about twenty-eight years ago, half a lifetime ago, watching the brutal beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles. Again, I reflect along with the rest of the world, just weeks ago when George Floyd’s life was taken by police, as peaceful protests have turned the wrong way. At my desk I’m again reflecting, and I want to be on the right side of history.
Black Lives Matter. The systemic problem in our society is real and my commitment is to be a part of the change. With that said, my promise is to listen, to hear the needs of the African American community and to be better…and do better.
What happens next is up to us. The recent tragedies at the hands of law enforcement have raised the level of awareness of racism and injustice to new levels but it also presents us with an opportunity to be better as individuals, as a community and as a country. As business owners and Chamber members here in the Airport Area, this along with “Getting Back to Business” is probably the most challenging of times. So as my good friend Dr. Chris Howard, the eighth president of Robert Morris University recently noted, “
Please stay safe, and do remember to treat one another with dignity and respect”.
Chris Heck
President/CEO
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
