2 minute read
Message from the First Lady
The SCLC entered talks with Nielsen in December shortly after it received word that Ms. Grace, the Senior Vice President of U.S. Strategic Community Alliance and Consumer Engagement, had filed a lawsuit, charging Nielsen with racism and creating a hostile work environment. Grace noted she was marginalized after she engaged with the CEO David Kenny, who is also the Chief Diversity Officer, about racism and career advancement. Grace had been the face of the 97-year-old company for almost 17 years in communities of color. She founded and produced a series of annual reports, which include data on the buying power of Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians in America, which is widely used by organizations.
With Nielsen, Dr. Steele said the SCLC followed the six-step Kingian Philosophy instituted by Dr. King, who sought to address all matters nonviolently and conclude with a peaceful understanding. Our first step is to gather information. Our second step is to educate the public. Our third step is to enlist the company’s support to address what has been presented in the lawsuit. The fourth step is to negotiate fairly. When there is no effort to negotiate the injustices, the SCLC moves to direct action. This is not our first resort, but when necessary, this option is effective to move companies that choose to ignore fair negotiations. Regardless of what measure is taken to bring about justice, the SCLC always seek to reconcile.
“The Nielsen victory will encourage other employees to be courageous when it comes to fighting for fairness inside Corporate America,” Dr. Steele said. “Their victory affirms that moving the protests from the streets to the suites is the right strategy. We just want other corporations to take heed and do the right thing before we arrive outside their headquarters.”
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