Now that Carolina Panthers majority owner Jerry Richardson has sold the team after 25 years and left the NFL in July, I am writing about his brave efforts at diversity and inclusion over the course of his business and NFL lives. Much of it has been behind the scenes. I am a witness.
At a time when our nation is once again divided over diversity and inclusion, it’s important to stand up and speak out for those who have had the courage and compassion to build strong bridges over the racial divide in America. One of those heroes is Jerry Richardson.
This is why I am speaking out in support of him as a man whom I personally know, respect and affirm for his integrity, commitment to fairness, and his outstanding contributions to help improve the quality of life of people in the Carolinas without limitations due to race, religion or social status.
I have personally known Jerry Richardson for over 25 years. I headed the NAACP in 1993 and 1994.
Denny’s was accused of horrible racial discrimination during that time. Instead of running away from the accusations, as CEO he met them head on and went above and beyond what was required. He and I enthusiastically signed an unprecedented $1.2 billion Fair Share Agreement with the NAACP that increased economic opportunity for African Americans — for both CEOs and workers.
The bridges over the racial divide that Richardson has built over the past decades were indicative and consistent with his acquisition and ownership of the Panthers. He played a part in drafting Cam Newton, only the third African-American quarterback to go No. 1, and hired the most recent Latino head coach (Ron Rivera).
As president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, I have observed some of the unfair news commentary about him that has appeared in the local newspaper and one national sports magazine. I am writing, therefore, to Sports Business Journal to share my unique perspective and vantage point concerning Richardson.
If there were more business leaders like Jerry Richardson, our state and nation would be better places with more opportunities to understand and to ensure the value of inclusion and diversity. We have come a long way, but, like we say in grassroots movements for change, “We still have a long way to go to fulfill the American Dream for all Americans.”
As Richardson retreats from the NFL to a quieter, private life as a philanthropist and businessman, just contemplate what the Carolinas and Charlotte would be like without him and the Panthers. As he retires from the NFL, the Richardson legacy will continue, and the economic impact of the Panthers and his philanthropy will continue to grow. He will be inclusive in his giving, I fully expect.
At 82, he and his wife, Rosalind, should be given their private lives. He should not have to fight for his reputation. He should not have to see his friends and colleagues labeled “enablers.” Like us all, he is an imperfect human being.
It is without any reservation that I rise to thank and salute Jerry Richardson for all that he has done and will continue to do to contribute to move Charlotte and the Carolinas forward.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Washington, D.C.
