A Statement from Managing Director Jeff Thomas
June 19, 2020
We recognize our community is in pain along with communities across our nation. Our Mitchell Williams family is hurting too. While we are all experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis and the challenges of the economic impact of the pandemic, recent events have put a necessary spotlight on racial inequality, discrimination and injustice that persists in our society. Today, the Juneteenth holiday recognizes a significant moment in our nation’s history as we witness one of the largest social justice movements in our country since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.
One of our founders, Maurice Mitchell, was known for his intense personal commitment to equality and social justice for all, best exemplified by his work during the Little Rock public school crisis in the 1950s. His commitment, along with that of our firm’s leaders, established the foundation of our core values of respect and inclusion. Consistent with these values, we condemn racism, discrimination, intolerance and injustice and reject bigotry in any form.
However, we have been made keenly aware that is not enough. That is why we are extending our efforts, both internally and externally, to ensure we contribute to achieving real change. This includes offering immediate and ongoing diversity, bias and harassment training for our entire workforce and increased support of diverse student organizations at our state law schools.
While these efforts are impactful, we know there is much more work to do. For this reason, we are partnering with the Urban League of the State of Arkansas and supporting their mission to advance economic and social prosperity for all Arkansans by creating access to opportunities through advocacy, community partnerships, programs and seminars.
Mitchell Williams is committed to listening, learning and taking action to eliminate systemic racism in all of our communities. We are focused on doing more because Black Lives Matter and all lives are made better when we recognize this.
Sincerely,
Jeff Thomas, Managing Director