BINGHAM GROUP CEO NOTE ON THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
(June 10, 2020) — On first learning about the murder of George Floyd, my initial reaction was “damn.” Not sadness, not shock, just damn. Just another Black life lost, for no reason. I say “just another'' because as Black America knew, and now many folks are realizing, there was nothing uncommon about Mr. Floyd’s death.
I remember learning about Emmett Till in grade school (and seeing his open casket picture), and I remember just turning 15 and seeing the reports of James Byrd Jr’s dragging death in Jasper, TX (on June 7, 1998). I also remember all the deaths that made national headlines this century. Kids, women and men.
In quiet moments, thinking about all those names (and the unknown ones), I’m reminded and know how lucky I’ve been. From my childhood and teen years in Austin, to college and law school, and starting my career back in Austin to now. I’ve just been lucky.
I’ve been lucky to not be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve been lucky to not be at the right place at the wrong time. I’ve just been lucky.
I turned 37 in May, and Bingham Group’s third anniversary was in April. I am blessed to have opportunities and access. And, I have understood for a long time the responsibility persons like me have when, more likely than not, they will be the only One in the room.
On where America goes after all of this, I can’t say. While hopeful for true and lasting change, I’ll believe it when I see it.
Immediately, what I do believe in is doing what I can with the luck that has been afforded me. I’ve been blessed to give more as my career grew, and to now reach out and back as Bingham Group continues to grow.
Bingham Group will always seek to recruit talented and brilliant individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, and orientation. But as the founder and CEO, I have and will particularly work to address the lack of Black representation in the lobbying profession.
More generally, to those organizations, institutions and industries outside my own seeking talented Black professionals to join local boards or leadership teams, please consider me a resource.
And lastly, if you and/or your company are looking to support the Austin Black community, I recommend the following:
Be well,
A.J. Bingham
Founder and CEO
The Bingham Group, LLC