These days are more than just challenging. They’re more than just difficult.
They’re painful.
For months, our world has been confronted by the uncertainties, fear, and separation caused by COVID-19. At the same time, our nation is facing immense grief, sorrow, and anguish following instances of racial injustice – tragic events that have laid bare the work that must still be done to live in a more equitable, a more just, and a more united society.
At Regions Bank, we have a strong, ongoing commitment to fostering greater diversity and inclusion throughout our company. And as we move forward, we will lean into the culture of inclusion we have built.
This week, Regions President and CEO John Turner and Clara Green, Executive Vice President and Head of Diversity and Inclusion, both addressed recent events through messages they shared with our teams across the company. We wanted to share the following comments from John and Clara with you, as well:
From Regions President & CEO John Turner: Now is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Like you, I am deeply saddened and concerned about the acts of senseless violence and injustice that we have recently witnessed across the country. The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor, as well as the racial attack against Christian Cooper, are all very distressing. A weekend of protests throughout our country – many of them in our communities – followed these events. In some instances, peaceful protests turned to violence, and that has compounded the emotional stress that many of our associates and customers are feeling. As parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, friends and Regions teammates, I know we want peace and healing for each other and our communities.
Reflecting on these tragic events and our path forward, I am even more proud of the culture of inclusion we are building at Regions. Dedicating time, as we have, to deeper conversations and richer dialogue around culture and heritage is helping us better understand each other. In turn, we must take those conversations back to our homes and communities, in hopes that we can do our part to drive change.
I hope that you take time this week to check in with each other and show compassion. We must all be willing to step outside our comfort zones and have authentic conversations about what’s going on around us. Let’s vow to listen with a goal to understand and a desire to heal the pain we feel.
We must all be willing to step outside our comfort zones and have authentic conversations about what’s going on around us.
John Turner, Regions President and CEO
Now, more than ever, is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We must have a collective purpose to ensure we’re fostering a culture that acknowledges the pain and struggle people around us are experiencing. I’m confident as a Regions team, we will act on this purpose and bring to life our values and mission in new and meaningful ways.
Thank you for standing with me to express care, understanding and support for our Regions teammates most impacted by these events. Let’s ‘Stand Together’ to make life better for our fellow associates, customers and communities.
-John Turner, Regions President and CEO
From Clara Green, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Regions Bank: Some personal thoughts – and the progress we can help create.
There are times when words can simply fail to convey all that we are feeling. At the same time, it’s important to send words of reassurance that we are here for each other – and I want you to know we are here for you.
As I look at the headlines and watch the news, it hurts. As a black woman and mother, my heart hurts. My soul hurts. We don’t have to know someone personally to grieve their loss, and you don’t have to be part of the black community to be angered by the series of tragic events that have befallen black men and black women. I never met George Floyd. I never knew Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor. And I don’t know Christian Cooper. That is, I never met them face-to-face. But in a sense, I feel like we all know them. They’re the person from down the street. They’re the colleague on the videoconference. They’re loved by their families and friends.
When we see what’s happening, it grieves our spirit. I don’t have a son, but I have a husband and a brother and nephews. And I have a daughter. So, when the headlines start again, I worry. I hurt. When I see the images of cities filled with fear and torn by violence, including my own city of Atlanta and our headquarters city of Birmingham, again, I worry. I hurt.
We talk about it at home. We talk about it with our friends. But a lot of the places where we go for consolation and refuge – perhaps our church, community groups, or maybe a local business – aren’t open right now. So, we’re left to grieve among ourselves, and many times, that can increase the pain and make us feel more alone.
But we want to remind you – you are not alone.
No matter your role in the Regions family, and no matter where you’re located, we are here to listen. There are resources available if you need to talk. It’s okay to let your manager or others know how you’re feeling. It’s okay to share your grief and concerns. And our Employee Assistance Program is a free, confidential resource that delivers counseling and other services for Regions associates and eligible dependents. Also, in several cities, we have Diversity and Inclusion networks of local associates who serve as allies and advocates for others.
We want to remind you – you are not alone.
Clara Green, EVP and Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Regions Bank
Further, recent events have reminded us why it’s so important to build on what we are doing at Regions by having an open, honest, and ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion. Through dialogue in our Conversations with Clara series and Table Talks, we are working to help us all understand, accept, and embrace our differences and the histories that have shaped who we are.
The steps we are taking are strongly supported at the highest levels of our company. As our President and CEO, John Turner, shared, “Now, more than ever, is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion. We must have a collective purpose to ensure we’re fostering a culture that acknowledges the pain and struggle people around us are experiencing.”
We encourage everyone to commit to learn more about the culture and heritage of people from different backgrounds. We encourage you to challenge your own thinking – and consider how you can be a part of positive change.
Moving forward, like you, I am praying for peace in our communities and an end to racial injustice. We need healing and restoration. We need to embrace each other through a spirit of unity, understanding, solidarity, and love.
Reach out to your colleagues. Offer your friendship. Offer to listen. And remember the resources that are available to you if you find yourself needing some additional help.
We may be physically apart, but we will always stand together … Always.
-Clara Green, Executive Vice President and Head of Diversity and Inclusion