FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.
7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 1120
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 240-542-5000
 
Press Contact
Shaun Lane, Communications Director
 
 
National Association of Black Accountants Response to Social Challenge: A Call to Action 
 
Greenbelt, MD, September 20, 2018 - The National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) extends our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of Botham Jean and the many other families that have suffered under the endless wave of recent tragedies.  We stand and support you.  We support the rights of our members and community to live free from legitimate fears that common, every-day activities could result in another senseless loss of life!

Our justice system is one of the best in the world when it works well, but it has struggled to value and protect the lives of all citizens with the same measure and consideration.  Recently, Jean, a former Risk Assurance Experienced Associate at PwC, became a victim of this epidemic.  For Jean, and countless others, NABA raises its voice.  We challenge the architects of institutional complacency who continue to ignore the patterns of injustice that disproportionately affect our communities.  We challenge our nation's leaders to commit to a vigorous enforcement of laws that govern this nation's legacy.

We also support and advocate healthy dialogue within our communities to help manage the extraordinary risks we face on a daily basis.  We are partnering with other organizations, including law enforcement, to share resources and educate our communities on safety.  Some will be unveiled at our upcoming Regional Student Conferences.

As citizens, individually and collectively, we must be heard on the issues that impact our safety and well-being.  The upcoming mid-term elections in November is one of several critical turning points to drive change.  You must vote and send a strong, clear message!  The decisions made in the voting booth will drive changes across every level of government and our future.  It is our hard earned right, privilege, and responsibility. 

As we continue facing many challenges, we will need to galvanize our resources and talent to build effective solutions.  We need to remember that as One NABA, we will help lead the change needed to preserve life and our future.
 
Please be safe.
 

Steven L. Harris
Board Chairman
National Association of Black Accountants

Walter J. Smith
President & CEO
National Association of Black Accountants 

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About the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA)
 
The National Association of Black Accountants is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black professionals in the accounting, finance and related business professions. Representing more than 200,000 black professionals in these fields, NABA advances people, careers, and the mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections to both professional and student members, fulfilling the principle of our motto: Lifting As We Climb. To learn more on how NABA addresses the professional needs of its members and to build leaders that shape the future of the accounting and finance profession, visit www.nabainc.org.