Pub. 10 2021 Issue 3

16 L ess than two years ago, the United States reached its lowest overall unemployment rate in 50 years. The expanding economy and strong labor market even reduced African American and Hispanic unemployment rates to 5.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Yet, the past 18 months have brought the most severe health pandemic, COVID-19, since 1918, the deepest political divisions and conflict since the U.S. Civil War, and the most unsettling racial conflict and protests since the 1960s. In the absence of effective communication, our cultural, gender, political, racial, religious, and other diversity all contribute to conflict within our society. Unfortunately, it appears that some resistance to vaccinations for COVID-19 has evolved into a political matter as some Americans perceived them and the mandated wearing of masks as an infringement upon the rights of individuals. Meanwhile, some racial minorities, particularly African Americans, lack trust in health services due to the impact of negative historical experiences. In both instances, communication and trust issues require an earnest attempt at effective conf lict resolution. I believe that most Americans are anxiously awaiting the easing of political tensions in our nation. As one who seeks to explore below the surface, it appears that political alignments Capitalizing on Minority Business Community Engagement By Jim Echols, CEO, Renaissance Management and Training Solut ions, LLP