Removing our Blinders: Even When You Think Your Eyes Are Open...

We think an open, honest, to the point, conversation with one of SC’s most forward thinking leaders is a terrific way to start 2021 and will inspire us to always be working to remove our blinders. After all, Even When You Think Your Eyes Are Open, There’s Work To Be Done!

In a conversation with Together SC president, Madeleine McGee, Anita Zucker will share her thoughts on how we must always be learning and working to further our understanding of the experiences of others and the racial inequities in our state.

Anita Zucker has long been one of South Carolina’s leading philanthropists and business leaders. As CEO of The Intertech Group, she has worked with leaders from across the social and political spectrum. And as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, she knows of pain and suffering.  

Sponsored by:

Anita Zucker's letter sent this summer

Dear Friends,

BLACK LIVES MATTER, and SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION. 

We grieve the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Walter Scott and so many others who deserve to be named. We stand with those who protest across the country to bring justice and reform to our system, to prevent this senseless brutality and to resource communities with positive investments.

Systemic racism and bias are built into the fabric of our nation, a history we know from our own city, Charleston, South Carolina, where people were dehumanized--brought in chains as prisoners and slaves to build a nation that has not sufficiently recompensed or protected their descendants. Racism and oppression have shape-shifted, but are still as present as ever, from the implicit biases we each hold, which we must bring to the surface, to institutionalized racism. 

Our late founder, Jerry Zucker, lived his life guided by core tenets, which he imbued in each of us:

• Never be a bystander to hate.
• Have a sense of urgency in everything you do.
• Always have a bias towards action.

We redouble our commitment to these tenets and vow to continue to educate ourselves, hear the diverse voices of our community, and take actions to support dismantling racism and delivering justice to victims of racism and bias.

• We will listen to the voices of our employees and community. If you have thoughts or concerns you would like to share, we invite you to be in touch. Please email justice@intertechsc.com.
• We will work with community organizations and community leaders to find and drive forward system reforms that can lead to ending institutionalized racismand increasing positive investment in impacted communities.
• We will explore and uncover our own biases and do the deep work necessary to support racial justice in the smallest corners of our lives.

There are organizations locally and nationally, which are close to our hearts, which we support and recommend that you explore:

• Coastal Community Foundation
• Tri County Cradle to Career
• South Carolina Community Loan Fund
• YWCA Greater Charleston
• Racial Equity Institute
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Color of Change

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”  This moment is an essential wake up call for all of us. We must work hard as a community to take on this responsibility. All of our actions and willing involvement are necessary to bring about real change. 

We commit ourselves to take these steps forward and invite you to join us.

With deep wishes for solidarity and peace,

Anita Zucker