Rev. Jackson’s Remarks at Microsoft’s 2014 Shareholder Meeting
Chairman Thompson, Mr. Nadella, Board members and Microsoft leaders, fellow shareholders:
I speak to you today representing the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, about the need to open up a new era of growth and inclusion of African Americans and people of color, and women, in the technology industry.
But first, let me congratulate and commend our new leadership: Chairman John Thompson, with whom I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years – ascending from Florida A&M University, succeeding Bill Gates to become Chairman of our Board.
And to Satya Nadella – thank you for taking the time to meet with me this week, and to share your values of “learning and inclusiveness” that drive Microsoft in this ever changing global technological economy.
This past year, Rainbow PUSH Coalition has challenged companies to disclose their EEO-1 and workforce diversity data. We’ve researched the racial and gender composition of corporate boards and C-suite leadership.
The tech industry is data driven. And the diversity and inclusion data are indisputable and undeniable: the leadership and workforce of the technology industry does not look like America or reflect the population and consumers that it relies upon for success.
Most companies have between 0-3% Blacks in their tech workforce; virtually the same for their non-tech workforce.
Of the twenty companies we researched, there were only 3 African Americans out of 189 total Board Directors; just 1 Latino. 153 men and just 36 Women. 11 (over half) have all-white Boards.
Of 307 top “c-suite” leaders, there are just six African Americans and 3 Latinos. 244 Men and just 65 Women. 7 of the 20 companies have all white leadership.
To its credit, Microsoft demonstrates unusual inclusion with John and Satya occupying the top leadership positions of our company.
More importantly, the technology industry is not capturing the tremendous value that will propel it into the future – after all African Americans, Latinos, people of color, women represent money, market, talent and location – – – – People of color are the biggest per capital users of social media and the internet – we use Microsoft software and play the Xbox. We use Windows, IPhones and android mobile phones. We are the innovators of the future; the consumers of the future.
It’s time the Boards of Directors and C-suites and workforce transform themselves to look like the New America.
We issue a Call to Action. Now that the data has been delivered, let’s turn to the next steps to change the face of technology – to place inclusion, diversity and innovation at the forefront of the agenda. Let’s set measurable goals, targets and timetables to move the needle.
Microsoft is uniquely position to lead this new era. Inclusion and fairness is part of the DNA of Microsoft’s history. Your supplier diversity program and business partnerships with minority businesses is at the top of the class; your Law Firm Diversity program is one which deserves to be replicated throughout the industry.
I argue there is no talent deficit, but an opportunity deficit. And by tapping the unfound talent, untapped capital and underutilized markets in communities of color, the technology industry – looking forward – can unleash a new era of opportunity where everybody is included.
The tech industry has demonstrated that it can solve the most challenging complex problems in the world. Inclusion is a complex problem – if we put our collective minds to it, we can solve it, too. There’s nothing we can’t do, together.
Access to technology and its boundless opportunities are this era’s civil rights imperative. Our mission to ensure that Blacks, Latinos, people of color – women – everybody shares in this opportunity, and grows together. Rainbow PUSH is seeking partners to change the face of technology. In Microsoft, we find a willing partner who’s inspired and leadership can help set the pace.
Let’s win together.