In the United States, Black people have lived through a history of racial injustice and institutionalized violence. While protests and support for justice continue across the United States and rest of the world, many MBA students and student organizations are also taking action. Here are some ways MBA students and MBA organizations are responding to promote racial justice and support Black Communities. (Updated daily, last update: June 3rd, 2020 Note: If you have something you would like to highlight, please email al at mbaschooled.com
UNC Kenan-Flagler Carolina Women in Business raises money for NAACP
At UNC Kenan-Flagler, the Carolina Women in Business (CWIB) organization wanted to take action, and did so in the form of raising money. According to CWIB President Becca Jordan, (UNC Kenan-Flagler, ’21) “CWIB believes allyship means advocating for any marginalized group of people, whether based on race, gender, or sexuality. CWIB recognizes that ally is a verb.” To demonstrate their support, CWIB reallocated its budget for the coming school year in order to match donations up to $1,000 for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. In less than 24 hours, the goal was met, and CWIB upped the match to $2,500. Over a two day period, the CWIB community donated $5,220 to the NAACP LDF, and donations continue to come in. “This is a small step – and just the beginning of our commitment to our classmates, our friends, our Black community, and our country,” Jordan said.
To donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, click here.
For more information on the Carolina Women in Business, check out their website.
Source: Becca Jordan
The African American MBA Association (AAMBAA) at Chicago Booth releases statement
On June 3rd, 2020, The African American MBA Association at Chicago Booth released a statement on the recent incidents surrounding police brutality and racial injustice. A portion of their statement reads:
The African American MBA Association at Chicago Booth is committed to taking action and pushing for change in our Booth community. We want to learn in an environment that is more inclusive. We continue to push our school administration to make changes to the student experience at Booth.
We cannot achieve any change without the support of non-black students. Black students make up just 5% of the student population at Booth—we need allies. We need allies who are willing to take an active stance in the fight against injustice in the classroom and in the boardroom.
To read the statement in its entirety and to learn more about the AAMBAA, please check out their website.
Source: Kwaku Frimpong
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business SGA and BMBAA release statement and Call to Action
At Georegtown University’s McDonough School of Business, the SGA (Student Government Association) and BMBAA (Black MBA Students Association) have released a joint statement and call to action to their student community. A portion of their statement reads:
To our allies, some of you are spurred with anger and frustration, but you may also be unsure of how to take action to make a tangible difference. “It is not enough to be quietly non-racist, now is the time to be vocally anti-racist.”
To read the statement in its entirety please check out the link.
Source: Leena Jube
UNC Kenan-Flagler Black Business Student Association releases statement on the murder of George Floyd
The UNC Kenan-Flagler Black Business Student Association is dedicated to the support, development and success of students from the African diaspora in their business school journey. This week, the released a statement on the murder of George Floyd.
Read their statement and learn more about the UNC Kenan-Flagler BBSA here, or follow them on Instagram here.
Stanford’s Black Business Student Association calls for change
The Stanford GSB Black Business Student Association released a statement on Friday, June 5th to encourage their community to fight against racial violence and injustice. A portion of their statement reads:
“You cannot be a member of the Stanford Graduate School of Business community and not acknowledge the incredible privilege that the Stanford name imparts unto you. It is imperative for all of us who hold this influential network of executives, officials, and thought leaders to call upon them to use their platform to advocate for policing reform and accountability.”
Read their statement here.
MBA Consortium Fellows Raise $30,000 in one day, vow to reach $100,000
Consortium Fellows from the Class of 2021 and 2022 across Consortium MBA Programs in the United States have banded together to raise money for Color of Change. A campaign intending to raise $20,000 in the month of June saw overwhelming support, and has now set a goal of $100,000. Read more here
Source: Lauren Abuouf
Student Led Initiatives
MBA students are using their voice, talents, and passion to advocate for change. Check out some of the recent examples.
Casey Bufford (Kelley, ’20) petitions Kelley MBA program to include additional HBR Case on Inequality into the Core Curriculum
Casey Bufford, a recent alum of the University of Indiana Kelley School of Business started a petition to include an HBR case titled “African American Inequality in the United States” in both the full-time and online programs. Within 24 hours, Bufford received over 1,000 signatures. An excerpt from Bufford’s LinkedIn post reads:
“It is clear that Kelley students, alum, and supporters want to see change. While I am appreciative of my experience, I am critical of the lack of diversity seen across staff and faculty and the lack of diverse cases taught. Business leaders, now more than ever, need more than just accounting and marketing skills. They need to understand the roots of this country to become inclusive leaders and to create inclusive cultures, polices, and practices. The time is NOW to make changes!”
To view the petition, please check out this link