February is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month.

The month-long observance in the US and Canada is a chance to celebrate our Black and African American colleagues and employees, their contributions, and achievements across various industries.

At Dependable Solutions, Inc, – we are always looking to listen, learn, and strengthen our work to create environments that reflect our values and define our company—values like authenticity, dignity, and mutual respect.

We want everyone to experience these values consistently.

We believe human rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, and the right to both work and education.

DSI is a team of individuals that contribute many cultures, religions, and experiences. Our strength comes from each one of us.

As a company and as individuals- we make a difference.

We are committed to look critically at the structures and practices inside our company, how we use our voice as a leader in the brand and consumer product licensing industry, and the role we play in progressing toward our company-wide commitment.

Inside our company, we are committing to adhering to the following actions:

Support Talent

Creating meaningful change starts within our own company.

We have complete unbiases towards hiring, recruiting, and retaining Black and African American talent. We continue to create opportunities to elevate Black and African American talent into leadership rankings.

We will also ensure that Black, African American, and Asian colleagues as well as other people of color on our teams are experiencing career growth in our company.

Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve—in our leadership and across the entire company.

Facilitate Dialog

We will continue to create safe spaces for dialogs and encourage our leaders and managers to elevate and amplify diverse voices on their teams.

Constructive dialogs that can break down barriers and build community inside the company.

At Dependable Solutions, we feel that part of our purpose is to inspire justice, bravery, and freedom. This idea is core to who we are as a company and the values we have embraced and circulated for more than 15 years.

Racial injustice and inequality are hindrances to fulfill our values.

Statement from DSI:

We endeavor to provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for everyone with whom we interact.

We expect that our team members take the time to respectfully listen to others and understand perspectives that differ from their own.  By holding true to these values, we draw people together and facilitate healing.

The senseless and unjust deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery– and the many who have come before them— have shown us the systemic racism and injustice that is woven into our society.

This is not only an American problem- it is our problem, and a global problem. This is our responsibility to bring an end to this problem.

The realities we confronted, in the beginning of 2020, have made it clear to us that our Black and African American colleagues are continual victims of harassment, abuse and wrongfulness.

Now is the time for us to look inward, our work and societal environments to take real, meaningful actions, to ensure our values are truly reflected in every individual’s experience, at our company and with our clients.

To our Black and African American colleagues and people of color in our company—we stand with you, and we commit to make progress with you.

We will hold on to our values, which will be entirely felt by anybody who interacts with our organization- we will act today, tomorrow, and in a safer future.