The theme for our Dr. Martin Luther King celebration this year is “Uniting in Diversity.” One could argue that unity and diversity represent different ends of a spectrum where the twain will never meet. However, to do so would fly in the face of our history. And to do so would be to deny the lessons taught us by the life of Dr. King.
Our history teaches us that people of different backgrounds and beliefs can create a unified nation. And part of the reason our history teaches us this is because Martin Luther King demonstrated how tolerance, respect and appreciation of one another could overcome the most irrational fears and hatreds … fears and hatreds born of differences misunderstood.
Tolerance. Respect. Appreciation. These form the lifeblood of a diverse nation … of a diverse company. Dr. King lived these values. At its best, our nation lives these values. And I’m certain that Weyerhaeuser Company lives them as well.
Business leaders spend a great deal of time trying to justify diversity on the basis that it’s good business. I share that belief. As the leader of a large company, I can tell you that better decisions are made, the organization is more vibrant, and more customers are available to us when we foster a diverse work force.
But after the events of September 11, it seems almost trivial to justify tolerance and diversity on the basis that it’s good business. There are more important things than business, as I’m sure we all experienced on Sept. 11.
On that day, people everywhere were confronted with the most basic challenges: to know that we, our loved ones and our communities are safe; to live free from fear, and to know that we are not alone … that we are part of a greater whole.
On 9-11, we did come together. On 9-11, we were united in diversity.
[PHOTO OF PEOPLE FLEEING COLLAPSING WORLD TRADE CENTER TOWERS]
Look at this picture. You see people experiencing a common disaster. You see people covered in dust … dust from the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. What don't you see? You don't see colors. You don't see differences. You see a common humanity and you care.
On 9-11, we forgot our fear of our fellow citizens and overlooked our differences. We joined together in a common outpouring of grief and concern for others. And we pitched in with our money, our time, and our hearts to begin repairing the damage that had been done. We united in diversity by focusing on our shared humanity and our common purpose – to combat terrorism and to rebuild our nation.
Cindi Bright will share a poem by an unknown author that captures this spirit of joining together. It’s called “One”.
As the soot and dirt and ash rained down,
We became one color.
As we carried each other down the stairs of the burning building,
We became one class.
As we lit candles of waiting and hope,
We became one generation.
As the firefighters and police officers fought their way into the inferno,
We became one gender.
As we fell to our knees in prayer for strength,
We became one faith.
As we whispered or shouted words of encouragement,
We spoke one language.
As we gave our blood in lines a mile long,
We became one body.
As we mourned together the great loss,
We became one family.
As we cried tears of grief and loss,
We became one soul.
As we retell with pride of the sacrifice of he and she/roes,
We became one people.
I believe that good feeling – that subtle shift – is still with us. I hope it lasts.
I believe tolerance and diversity are vital to Weyerhaeuser’s success. That’s why I assumed the role of diversity champion for the corporation. I take this role seriously. Not just because it’s good business, but because it’s right.
