Roland Martin, others honored in 2017 by Hank Aaron as Champions of Justice

Alexis Herman notes a significant shift in how companies engage with social issues. Initially, there was a disconnect between corporate decisions and social values. Today, leading companies understand the 'triple bottom line,' valuing reputational standing as much as profit, and recognizing the interconnectedness of shareholders, employees, customers, and communities. This shift is driven by a values-based society, especially by younger generations demanding corporate responsibility.

Alexis Herman states, 'companies in particular when you talk about the endorsement and the sports world uh it really is about understanding now the values of customers of the communities in which they live and work. Uh and understanding that it is more than just the bottom line... it is about the triple bottom line.'

Roland Martin emphasizes that while social media offers immediate dissemination of information, its impact depends on the substance and context of the message. He advocates for informed activism, where public figures and individuals understand history and facts to challenge misinformation effectively. He highlights that media control is a primary objective in power struggles, underscoring its influence.

Roland Martin explains, 'Social media is a lot faster. It's much more immediate. Uh but the reality is you still have to have something to say.' He later adds, 'If you study cools that take place around the world, they always get control of the military first, media is always second... that right there tells you uh the power of uh information and how you use it.'

Hank Thomas, a Freedom Rider turned successful entrepreneur, and Roland Martin both stress that economic ownership is fundamental to true freedom and power for African Americans. Historically, black communities were systematically denied opportunities for ownership, leading to a lack of control and leverage. They argue that being an 'employer' rather than just an 'employee' provides critical independence and influence.

Hank Thomas states, 'without ownership of something... we don't still don't own much of anything.' Roland Martin adds, 'when your checkbook can be controlled, then your mouth and your mind can be controlled.'

Hank Thomas highlights the U.S. armed forces as a historical 'point of the spear' for human and civil rights for African Americans. He notes that President Truman's desegregation order in 1948 created the only organization where Black men and women could pursue careers relatively free of racism, leading to significant advancements and leadership roles, including Colin Powell and other high-ranking generals.

Hank Thomas recounts, 'It was the army or the armed forces that was the point of the spear for human rights and civil rights for African-Americans... made it possible for the only organization in this country for black men and women to have careers that was relatively free of racism.'