O2 has announced its support for the Black British Network and the Letter to Zion campaign. Led by renowned campaigner, Cephas Williams, the initiative is based around vision for a better future. His letter calls to bring a united voice for Black professionals, the wider Black community, industry leaders and leading organisations to work together and drive targeted change focused on the Black community in the UK.
Cephas started writing his Letter to Zion in May and published his letter on October 9th 2020.
As part of this initiative, O2 will support and join the Black British Network in a series of round table conversations over the next year. These round tables are aimed at driving conversations around how companies can focus and develop their efforts to better serve the Black community at all professional levels.
Mark Evans, CEO, O2, said: “After welcoming Cephas to O2 as a guest speaker during Black History Month, it’s clear that his passion for and commitment to social justice is unequivocal. His powerful letter to his son Zion, expresses the opportunity that is before us – and the leadership role we must play in tackling systemic racism and forging a fairer and more equitable future for the next generation.
“At O2 we are on a journey to drive equality and equity across our business, which is why we joined the Black British Network initiative. We are committed to listening, learning and growing understanding we have a long way to go. To effectively represent the communities we serve, we are dedicated to supporting the progression of not only the Black community, but employees in our business from a variety of backgrounds.
Cephas Williams said: “Its one thing for me to have written my vision over the summer to Zion and to have painted a picture of the world I’d like to see for him, his generation and generations to come. It’s another thing to start to see that vision come to life. From speaking to Mark I genuinely believe he’s in this for the long run. It will take more executives, CEO’s and leaders who are authentically committed and dedicated to this vision taking bold and tangible steps like this to see the systemic change we are working to create. That being said it’s my pleasure to welcome O2 onboard this journey with me and I hope this move will encourage other leaders and leading organisations to do the same.”
O2 is committed to continuing its journey to be a leading inclusive employer. Earlier this year, the company launched the third edition of its responsible business plan, The Blueprint, which sets outs its sights to become a truly representative business by 2025.
Read the powerful Letter to Zion by Cephas Williams and learn more about the Black British Network http://www.cephaswilliams.com/lettertozion
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