September 1, 2009
AT&T Corporation AT&T Corporation
Mr. Randall L. Stephenson Mr. Marshal M. Criser III
CEO President-Florida
AT&T Investor
The Capital Group
Capital Research Global Investors
Larry Clemmensen
President
53rd Floor
RE: FMCRC Request: 1) For AT&T Florida to Follow Leadership of AT&T California Diversity Pledge 2) FMCRC Chair Public Debate Challenge to AT&T Florida President (sent via certified mail)
“The cause endures, the hope still lives and the DREAM will never die”Senator Edward Kennedy
Dear Mr. Criser:
I had the privilege to serve in the United States Air Force with some of the greatest leaders that I have ever know, including a colonel who served 7 years in the Hanoi Prison as a POW. The one lesson taught to me by them that stood above others: A man is only as good as his word.
The FMCRC General Counsel (Reginald Clyne) and I met with you and your key staff over nine months ago to discuss increased diversity for AT&T in
For many years in
The economic distress of minority communities may be one of the most pressing issues facing
The Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition (FMCRC) and our associates and affiliates have witnessed the significant lack of responsiveness to our communities by elected officials and key corporate leaders in
n 72% of all LMI Zone residents are minority
n High unemployment (11 to 65%).
n 68% with no health care
n 72% of single mothers-below poverty level
n Poverty ranging from 29% to 68%
n Lack of community services
n Lack of affordable housing
n Lack of living wage jobs
Instead of taking a road of inclusion and one of bold leadership as your counterparts inCalifornia have done, you follow a path that will contribute to the decay of minority communities and families in Florida. Hiring ex African American or Latino state legislators, placing strategic ad buys in African American publications or providing grants to key minority organizations will not provide AT&T cover from its obligations to be a steward of economic inclusion. Minorities account for over 40% of
Let me assure you that creating economic rewards for a few key minority leaders will not salvage AT&T’s obligation towards true economic diversity in
I witnessed a full page ad in the Miami Times which applauded AT&T Florida diversity that was purchased by an African American publication. Needless to say I understand this strategy by AT&T is to provide barriers for FMCRC’s attempt to bring true accountability and transparency for your organization. What you do not understand is that this is not about me or FMCRC but something much bigger than all of us. Times are changing and there is no man that will prevent this common purpose and common cause from bringing change to
Instead of creating division in our communities by such actions, it is time for you tofollow the leadership of your AT&T counterparts in
Supplier Diversity
Excerpt from final approved CPUC decision 2005 AT&T/SBC merger[1]:
[W]e shall require Applicants to agree to the commitments set forth [in the agreement] below in order to satisfy the public interest requirements under § 854(c) … With respect to supplier diversity, we shall require as a condition of the merger that Applicants commit to the minimum diversity goals set forth in the settlement. We conclude that these diversity goals will be instrumental in satisfying the requirements of § 854(c).[2]
Philanthropy
Excerpt from final approved CPUC decision 2005 AT&T/SBC merger:
With respect to charitable giving, we shall adopt as a condition of the merger that SBC commit to the level of $57 million in additional philanthropic giving as discussed in the proposed settlement. The settlement proposes that SBC make only a “good faith” commitment to allocate 60% of this increased philanthropy to underserved communities. Given the testimony served on the concerns of the underserved communities, we conclude that more specific commitments are needed beyond the limited terms of the settlement.
We shall require that at least 80% of the increased SBC philanthropy be reserved for the low-income, underserved disabled, and minority communities. The 80% level is consistent with the recommendation in the testimony of Greenlining prior to the settlement.[3]
In the
1) Workforce-percentage of African American, Asian and Latino’s in top 1/3 management in
2) Philanthropy-Total philanthropic contributions and percentage of total 2008 philanthropic contributions that were for African-American, Asian and Latino organizations. Average philanthropic contribution for minority and non minority organizations.
3) Procurement-Total 2008 supplier spend and percentage of 2008 spend that went to African American, Asian and Latino businesses in
4) Media Buys- Total 2008 media buy for
This data will provide a true picture of the diversity efforts of AT&T in
Mr. Criser, I am fully confident of the critical need for increased economic diversity in
It is my hope that you will take a road of inclusion and a path less traveled as you review your reply to this letter. May I also suggest that you seek new advisors regarding this issue for I feel you have been ill-served thus far by your current advisors.
We at FMCRC wish to thank you for your consideration on this very important issue for
Cordially,
Al Pina
Chair
pina@fmcrc.org
(813) 598-6361
admin@fmcrc.org
(941) 284-0688
CC:
FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps
David Lizarraga (Chairman-United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce) Damon Lester (President-National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers) Roger Campos (President-Minority Business Roundtable) Reginald Clyne (FMCRC General Counsel) Roland Sanchez Medina (President, Cuban American Bar Association) Dr. Eladio Armesto (Treasurer, US Hispanic Publishers Association) Joy Bruce (Founder and President, NANAY inc.) Frank Rodriguez (Florida Coalition on Human Trafficking) Ron Frazier (Chairman, BAC Funding Corporation) Sylvia Alvarez (President, Housing and Education Alliance) Tomas Lares (Coalition of Latino Faith Based Organizations) Elaine Black (President, Liberty City Trust) Pastor HB Holmes (Coalition of Central Florida Faith Based Organizations) Greg B. Macabenta (National Chairman, National Federation of Filipino American Associations) Winnie Tang (President- Organization of Chinese Americans, South Florida Chapter) Raul Espinosa (President- Fairness In Procurement Alliance) Orson Aguilar (Director, Greenlining Institute) Johnson Ng (Executive Director, United Chinese Association of Florida) Val Dagani (Founder, Filipino American Coalition of Florida) Doug Mayorga (President, Florida Minority Chamber of Commerce) Nydia Menendez, Esq. (President, Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida) Jorge A. Mestre, Esq.(Hispanic National Bar Association) Kerth J. Conze, Esq. (President, Haitian Bar Association) Jay Kim, Esq. (Asian Bar Association) Glorious J. Johnson (Council Member, City of Jacksonville) Dr. Bessie Fletcher (President, Mothers & Daughters Inc.) Vicente Rodriquez (Hispanic Publishers Association) Dorothy Hughes (President, Gateway Economic Empowerment Coalition) Maria Benton (President,
[1] A. 05-02-027
[2] Opinion Approving Application to Transfer Control, at p. 168.
[3] Opinion Approving Application to Transfer Control, at p. 168.