The Big Three also give to educational institutions to assure American's brightest, regardless of race, find opportunities within the industry. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are continually the largest supporters of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This goes all the way back to Henry Ford’s association with George Washington Carver and the Tuskegee Institute. That type of relationship eventually encompassed other auto manufacturers, schools and minorities and today includes business, engineering, and MBA programs.
Additionally, the Big Three hired minority-advertising agencies to assure that minority media got their share of marketing dollars. Point of fact, General Motors was the first car company to hire a minority agency.
Further, Detroit’s programs to recruit minority suppliers have created new entrepreneurial opportunities for all Americans. This started at Chrysler under the guidance of Bob Lutz.
The automotive industry was also the first industry in America to pay the same wages to Blacks as Whites, essentially creating an African-American middle class that in turn, spurred stunning developments in the arts, entertainment, and business.
Bottom line, the auto industry’s companies were the first corporations to fully embrace diversity. They established a climate in which to be a competitive car company in America, diversity had to be part of the fabric of your organization. As President-Elect Barack Obama demonstrated in his campaign, the inclusion of all cultures and races can be a tremendous strength.
It goes deeper still, after the tragic events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, the Detroit Three––Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, were among the first corporate citizens to contribute to relief efforts. They wrote checks and donated products and services to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, the majority of their more profitable competitors sat on the sidelines with their checkbooks closed.
Both Katrina and 9/11 proved that when America is down, the imported auto manufacturers drag their feet. All they see in the United States is the largest automotive market in the world. In a downturn, you can bet they will look elsewhere for their profits and social programs will fall by the wayside.
Remarkably, we are already seeing some of these companies withdrawing their support of US auto shows and other cultural activities. If the Detroit Three are not around to set an example, what incentive will the import brands have to continue supporting diversity? Certainly not their commitment to America.
If the Detroit Three are allowed to fail, over 40 years of social progress could be lost. Our legislators must vote yes to the loan and it is easier than ever to tell them so.
TAKE ACTION, BE HEARD, visit Auto Vote Yes where you’ll find links that will guide your message in support of the auto industry to your legislators.
