Pareto FM has issued an emotive Black Lives Matter statement in the wake of the recent killing of George Floyd. The Pareto board commissioned the wider Pareto team members to research, write and deliver the statement taking in to consideration the views, opinions and attitudes of the team. The project was lead by Pareto Team Leader Dele Agunpopo who worked with various members of the Pareto team to pull the statement together.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
To be judged on your ability as a human being, because of the colour of your skin, is a practice that is condemned and goes completely against the fundamental foundation Pareto is built on.
WE STAND FOR EQUALITY.
The killing of George Floyd has sparked nationwide demonstrations and a realisation of the current systematic and institutionalised racism Black people are facing and have been facing for over 200 years. Black lives continue to be discriminated against and undervalued. We do not accept this position.
THIS IS SIMPLY UNJUSTIFIABLE.
History shows that Black lives have been on the receiving end of slavery, police brutality and discrimination, not only in America but across the world including the United Kingdom. Whilst some of the UK’s painful history is behind us, the remnants of the past continue to show prevalence today, in the lives of Black people who continue to live through the everyday experiences of deeply ingrained discrimination.
WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO CHANGE THE FUTURE.
At Pareto, we are dedicated to changing society, and we must start within our industry. We recognise the gaps in diverse employment and representation of the wider community not only within the facilities industry but also in our own company. We need to use our platform no matter how big or small to create the change.
TO SIMPLY DEMAND CHANGE IS INEFFECTIVE.
We proudly financially support projects which aim to give opportunities to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to be able to excel in life. We aim to step up our own efforts in; recruitment, training and bringing awareness to the social injustices surrounding the lack of representation of Black people within leadership and management roles across the facilities sector.
THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP WE CAN TAKE IS TO EDUCATE OURSELVES.
Educating ourselves, and one another, on the wider issue of systematic and institutionalised racism thus recognising how they have infiltrated the workforce today. If we are ever going to see a change, we must first be the change. Only then can we truly help to eradicate racism and help one another to grow in peace and love.
WE NOW UNDERSTAND THAT TO BE SILENT IS TO BE COMPLICIT.
Black lives matter.
PARETO FM.
“I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their colour.”
Malcolm X, Human Rights Activist
“We can now longer sit back and accept the status quo for the treatment of Black lives. This position is utterly unjustifiable, and we have a responsibility to progressively change the future. We commit to fully educating ourselves to tackle the deeply ingrained discrimination and accept that simply demanding change does not bring about meaningful outcomes. We now understand that to be silent is to be complicit. We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
Andrew Hulbert, Pareto FM Founder
“I felt this was an important statement to get right and a topic that is very close to my heart. We didn’t want to just put a statement out for the sake of it and I’m pleased that the Pareto board allowed us to put our true feelings across on this matter. As the statement says we have to recognise the gaps in diversity in the wider facilities management sector but also within our own business. We have to be strong enough to call out the deeply ingrained racism across the world and here in the UK to ensure we take steps to address it. The most important step is to educate ourselves and others and ensure we take action. Simply demanding change is not enough. Pareto now understands that to be silent is to be complicit.”
Dele Agunpopo, Pareto FM Team Leader
Take the opportunity to read and watch some of the material below which will enlighten and educate you on why Black Lives Matter is an important movement towards change.
Sunday Times Bestseller “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race” https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longer-Talking-White-People-About/dp/1408870584
15 minute clip about Black Bank Manager Dale; how police discrimination & wrong identity have given him PTSD and changed his life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x0G4NCBTzg
When They See Us, Ava DuVernay (Netflix)
Fruitvale Station, Ryan Coogler (on demand)
13th, Ava DuVernay (Netflix)
