Nury Martinez and The Business of Integrity

Nury Martinez and The Business of Integrity

Councilmember Martinez and I have similar background stories.

We are the same age, grew up in the same neighborhood, have immigrant parents, and

leveraged the opportunities afforded to us by our academic and personal efforts.

Those victories did not result in personal integrity for Ms. Martinez.

I am not casting stones.

I have heard the racist slur she blurted out many times from other Latinos and Hispanics in my old neighborhood and even my old church.

When I would check someone when they said it, they would wave it off as “That’s just part of the culture.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The idea that some cultures or people are superior to others has no place on this planet.

It denies individual racism and sends a message that your racial oppression is no different from mine.

I am thankful my first musical memory is Harry Belafonte’s 1961 Grammy award-winning album, Swing Dat Hammer.

I would lose myself in the melodies and lyrics of those incredible chain gang songs.

As I type these words, I can still hear the chilling ways Mr. Belafonte would bellow certain words in songs like “Diamond Joe,” “Another Man Done Gone,” “Here Rattler Here,” and “Rocks and Gravel.”

I can still hear the pain, anguish, love, and hope.

Just typing this makes my eyes tear up and my lungs tighten.

It taught me to understand and respect the plight of others and that I have no other option than to consider their situation and hear the facts.

It keeps my heart soft when someone disrespects me because I am brown.

It allows me to experience the rich tapestries of other cultures with a full hall pass and an invitation to the BBQ.

Just ask @jerrywon. “Who’s the brown guy showing up to the Association of Asian American Investment Managers or National Association of Black Accountants?”

Insert “This guy” thumbs meme.

No amount of #sensitivity #training or #DEI workshops will make you look in the mirror and be accountable.

You, the individual, are our only hope.

Preserve your #integrity by analyzing your thoughts and actions.

Define your values so you know what you believe.

Encourage the integrity of others.

It will build your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I promise it will show up in the bottom line of your life and business.