Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter

At American Licorice Company we have the honor of employing and working alongside individuals with diverse backgrounds, talents and perspectives. Above all else, each and every one of our employees is valued. This diversity makes us a better company.

Since this value is at the core of our company, it requires us to speak out against the injustice that we are witnessing. We don’t believe we can be silent as events unfold around us.

We’ve taken some time to ask ourselves “how can we actually make a difference” rather than quickly issuing a generic statement that doesn’t equate to action. After much discussion with a diverse group of trusted community members and associates, our company has made the following pledge:

  American Licorice Company Logo

 

A letter from American Licorice Company’s CEO, John Kretchmer:

ALC Family,

As we process the events following the murder of George Floyd, we feel sadness, uncertainty, and anger brought on by the prejudice, hate, and inequality that permeate American life. Yet, we feel hope that the country is finally awakening to the problems of racial injustice and police brutality. We support peaceful protests and the Black Lives Matter movement. It is hard to know what to say or do, and we realize silence is not the answer. Our core values of integrity, compassion, engagement, and teamwork require us to:

  1. Declare the worth and value of all people in black and minority communities;
  2. Stand with all those seeking action to stamp out racism, injustice, and inequality; and
  3. Encourage everyone to vote.

To turn these words into action, American Licorice Company commits to the following:

  1. Investing $300,000 in non-profit groups that serve black and minority communities;
  2. Continuing the internal reviews of our diversity practices to move the conversation of racial equality forward;
  3. Establishing a Diversity Council, including external members of the black community, to monitor our corporate diversity policy and guide our investments in black and minority communities; and
  4. Continuing to listen and learn about how we can support the long-term needs of black and minority communities.