Walk To Wall Street: This 240+ Mile March Is Pushing For DEI Reforms in Corporate America
The Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) and a powerful coalition of allied organizations are set to walk over 240 miles from Capitol Hill to Wall Street to push for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Corporate America.
The “Walk to Wall Street” initiative will begin on September 17, 2024, and culminate in New York City’s financial district on October 11.
Call for Corporate Diversity
The march, led by HACR President and CEO Cid Wilson, aims to highlight ongoing disparities in representation and inclusion in US businesses. Despite some progress, corporate leadership positions and boards remain overwhelmingly white and male. Wilson emphasized that the walk symbolizes the long journey ahead for Corporate America to achieve meaningful DEI reforms.
“Each step I take is a call to action for companies to commit to meaningful change and equity in the workplace,” Wilson said in a statement. “2024 is not a time to slow down or back down—it’s time to double down on diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Key Partners and Stops Along the Route
HACR has partnered with a broad coalition of organizations for this historic trek, including the National Urban League, UnidosUS, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Disability:IN, The Executive Leadership Council, the Asian American Business Development Center, Global Black Economic Forum, SER Jobs for Progress – National, Latino Corporate Directors Association, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, the Women Business Collaborative, MANA, a National Latina Organization, and Latino Justice (PRLDEF).
The journey will include stops in Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia (with a rally), Trenton, Newark, and New York City (with a rally), each focusing on local issues related to DEI. The
Local leaders will join the conversation at each stop about addressing DEI challenges and promoting actionable solutions within their communities.
Uniting Corporate America and Social Movements
This initiative comes amid increasing pushback against DEI efforts in Corporate America. The Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action ruling and rising attacks on DEI initiatives have led to concerns that progress could stall.
Nevertheless, HACR and its coalition hope the event will rally corporate leaders and grassroots activists to double down on their efforts toward fostering a more equitable business landscape.
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Image credit: Cid Wilson/ Montclair State University
