Concord Hospitality launches anti-racism initiative

Hotel development and management company Concord Hospitality Enterprises has launched its “End Racism Now” initiative. 

The goal of the program is to increase the level of understanding about the Black community among the company’s associates, within the hospitality industry and across the U.S. and ultimately drive change to secure equality, justice and freedom for all Americans. 
 
Continuing through Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 18, 2021), the initiative is bringing together Concord associates at all levels—from front-desk staff to corporate executive leaders—every Wednesday for discussion, storytelling and connection to ask hard questions, have uncomfortable conversations and hear different perspectives. Topics of focus include how white people can help and why associates must educate themselves. 
  
“At Concord Hospitality, we believe our biggest differences are our greatest strengths, and we stand with our Black community to end racism once and for all,” said Mark Laport, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. “We feel the only way to affect positive change is through education, awareness, compassion and empathy, all of which we are aiming to achieve through our ‘End Racism Now’ initiative.”
 

The initiative is being led by Concord’s Diversity & Inclusion Council, which was launched in 2017. The company has been looking to address and instill ideals of understanding, appreciation, acceptance, authenticity and respect at its properties.