And myself, if you will, I'm at the very bottom of the pyramid as a servant leader and somebody who is there to provide leadership, but also provide whatever that needs to be done for us to be successful. Home Depot cofounder, Arthur Blank, is a longtime Democratic supporter and donated $250,000 to committees supporting Joe Biden between July and September in 2020, Forbes reported. And I think this should be addressed out of respect and out of listening.". United States, Copyright 2023, Georgia Public Broadcasting. Looting is NOT THE ANSWER!!! 1, I think at that time I didn't probably fully appreciate the environment, the communities and neighborhood that Michael was raised in, an area called New Newport News. I mean, it doesn't make a difference how old you are. /BitsPerComponent 8 >> More must be done to address the underlying issues that have led to these incidents across the country. How do you help repair the world if we can use that expression? The pair always strove to create a work environment that put people before politics, said Blank. Blank writes about being teased for having a stutter. GALEO has also handed out flyers at city events, supermarkets, and churches that target Latinos. Players and coaches appear giving quick testimonials. It is making no promises that it will reveal everything it has found out about the Redskins and others who had contact with the team. This is not a protest. In his new book, Good Company, Blank follows his own success to show that purpose and profit can and should coexist. /AIS false (And Im not forgetting Colin Kaepernicks protests against police violence, and how the league effectively blackballed him before paying him off to avoid a certain-to-be-nightmarish public trial.). With Labels, Listen to Affected Populations, Not Activists, As With Alcohol, Mitigation, Not Prohibition, Is the Answer, It Seems Democrats Are Blundering Badly (Again) with Their All-Abortion, All-the-Time Campaign. In their sixth season of Major League Soccer, the Five Stripes bring some new faces onto the field this year. So I would fight for that and surround myself with people who believe the same thing, because you have to have that brain power in every institution or corporation or nonprofit. The statement came about five days after Gov. There are people and other countries who are posting things pretending to be US, pretending to stand for peaceful protest, but they are trying to incite us into violence and chaos to try and do more harm! And the Falcons new stadiumscheduled to open this summerwith an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, $200 million coming from Atlanta hotel-motel taxesis definitely big and shinny with tons of gadgets to enhance the fan experience. But this is where the similarities with most other stadiums end. "It's healthy to disagree on things, but it's not acceptable to not be kind.". Kemp and the law's backers said it provides some common-sense reformsto ensure elections are secure. Big Game by New York Times Magazine writer Mark Leibovich, BLM Has Achieved Much More Than Its Critics. There was a six-year period in there, when things went a little south. Home Depot cofounders Arthur Blank and Bernie Marcus have long been on separate sides of the fence when it comes to politics. Support more understanding and be better listeners trying to see how the other people, you know, try to stand in the footsteps of others. 5 Other Blank family businesses include the nationwide PGA TOUR Superstore as well as a handful of ranches across the country. That coming the day before the New York Times dropped the bomb(s) about Gruden calling the NFL commissioner a faggot, ripping the leagues concussion protocols, (in other words, Grudens pro-concussion) and trading nudie pictures of cheerleaders. My suspicion is that while Dungy and Tirico and dozens if not hundreds of other NFL leaders may have been surprised by Grudens racist imagery, they arent as unfamiliar with his other boys club stupidity. Opponents of the bill argue it's too restrictive and targets minority voters. Despite being widowed at a young age, his mother managed the familys mail-order pharmaceutical business and sold it to a large retail conglomerate. Your support makes this possible. I am, in a certain sense. Stay up to date with what you want to know. What Does Hamline Not Understand About Academic Freedom? RELATED:Georgia Secretary of State calls many election changes 'solid'. Nationality: United States Executive summary: Co-Founder of Home Depot. And being a good listener, it's an art form that we all can possess. When GALEO was established, Georgias Latino community was not well represented, nor was it a viable electoral force; today, there are over 385,000 registered Latino voters in the state. No. I went to a small business school outside of Boston called Babson College I would always sit in the front because I always wanted to pay attention and learn. So it was good. Soon after, Blank met his third wife Angela Macuga whom he married in 2016 and later announced their plans to divorce in 2019. I look at my six children, Batch 1, Batch 2, and, you know, they go from age 19 to age 52, if I have it right. The NFL could and should be a leader among other giant corporations in taking stark stands against belligerent stupidity like racism (which it is sort of good at in a lipservice/signage kind of way, considering 70% of its players are black) and sexism (where it has a long ways to go, despite promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with pink shoes), but also right now for wait for it COVID vaccinations. The family foundation has already invested over $20 million into the surrounding community. 4 0 obj /Title ( A r t h u r b l a n k p o l i t i c s) Falcons owner Arthur Blank is weighing in on Georgia's sweeping overhaul of election laws. More must be done to address systemic racism. But he did. Marcus has been an outspoken Donald Trump devotee throughout both the 2016 and 2020 elections, donating $7 million to Trump's campaign four years ago. During the past year, GALEO staff and volunteers have participated in events at food banks, churches, and schools, where they provide information while assisting with free COVID-19 testing and food distribution. Blank also contributed $28,500 to the Obama Victory Fund in 2008. Martin Luther King Jr. once lived in this part of town, but decades of disinvestment and neglect have resulted in over 40 percent of the community living in poverty with an unemployment rate twice that of the rest of Atlanta. This is not in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Blank, who is Jewish, also addressed the administration's failure to recognize the losses suffered by the Jewish people during the Holocaust. Lawlessness, vandalism and intentionally upending the peace with any form of violence has never been productive and is not the answer. But it's really not a story about dogfighting. In 1978, they co-founded the home-improvement retailer The Home Depot, with the help of merchandising expert Pat Farrah and New York investment banker Ken Langone who assembled a group of investors. The portfolio includes nearly $10 million in grants to 12 nonprofits that represent a diverse set of organizations with a strong presence in Georgia and the Southeast. << It's the customers. The guest. But We Aint Seen Nuthin Yet. Soccer fans don't want to feel like they go into a stadium and they're a second-class citizen citizen. Owner Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Flacons reacts before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Marcus handed the CEO reigns to Blank in 1997; Blank held the position until a new president and CEO was hired in 2000. And then he worked in the laundry. 10, Following proposed changes to Georgia voting laws in early 2021, Blank released a statement saying, We should be working to make voting easier, not harder for every eligible citizen, and that his businesses and family foundation will support efforts that advance voting access for the citizens of Georgia and across the nation. 11 Blank also participated in an online call with over 100 corporate executives to discuss taking action following changes to state voting laws including the possibility of delaying investments in states that pass allegedly restrictive voting laws. So, we had great confidence in our own abilities. On Thursday, Falcons owner Arthur Blank's foundation donated a five-year, $17 million grant to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Our Family Foundation and the rest of our businesses here in Atlanta and elsewhere remain committed to being part of the solution., Together for Atlanta. Arthur Blank enjoys one of his favorite hobbies at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, one of three guest ranches owned by Blank Family of Businesses. Download the FOX 5 Atlanta appfor breaking news and weather alerts. So thats Gruden. I listen to what he says and sometimes I'll cringe. Sadly, sometimes these young men and women get involved in that cycle and they never get out of it. Georgia Public Radio GPTV, a 2019 Report from the EJI documents more than 4440 racial terror lynchings in the U.S. between 1877 and 1950], National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Political Rewind: Theater critic Jesse Green remembers Mary Rodgers in 'Shy', Longtime nature writer Janisse Ray delivers gripping debut novel, At new season kickoff, Atlanta United looks for fresh start on the field. You can do whatever you choose to do. But we both said, you know, if we ever had to compete with Handy Dan that was the most successful conventional chain of home improvement center stores in the country at that time it would be with a large, no frills, downmarket store. The Falcons leadership knows how to play politics. So I would just cut him some slack. I suspect he had help. They were trying to indicate that what the military had fought for these rights, the civil rights, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, etc. But I know where his heart is and his heart is really in a good place. Think about How do I listen to the people that are actually trying to serve and how do we put results in place that would give them the very best chance for equality and for success and for fair treatment? And I think we have to strive more for that. If executed improperly, this stadium could continue a long line of broken promises for this blighted community. https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/?contributor_name=Arthur%2BBlank&contributor_employer=The%2BArthur&two_year_transaction_period=2016&contributor_state=GA, https://www.ajc.com/news/local/molly-blank-strong-widow-grew-successful-business-sons/JMYrzmcGsGc4nXD58rqltJ/, https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/197614, https://corporate.homedepot.com/sites/default/themes/thd/images/timeline/History-Of-The-Home-Depot.pdf, https://www.forbes.com/profile/arthur-blank/?sh=ae7b330749c3, https://www.atlantafalcons.com/team/front-office-roster/arthur-blank, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/arthur-m-blank/, https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/statement-from-arthur-blank-on-georgia-voting-rights, https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/04/11/companies-voting-bills-states/, https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/arthur-blank-wife-angela-are-getting-a-divorce/897352464/, https://saportareport.com/a-longtime-anonymous-donor-reveals-her-identity/sections/abcarticles/maria_saporta/, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/dena-kimball/, https://blankfoundation.org/trustee/kenny-blank/. And whether, you know, be it Dr. King or, a great friend to America and a great leader, Congressman Lewis, [who] was a great personal friend of mine and served our country beautifully, would say peaceful nonviolent protest is how we that's how we make progress. GALEO engages in advocacy, creates opportunities for engagement and networking, and develops leadership skills for Latino community members. But COVID vaccination, as a consequence of being made "political" by belligerent partisans, many of whom love football more than life itself, is terrifying territory for the NFL. Did the Vikings and NFL Just Blacklist Another Left-Leaning Player? So, then we opened up The Home Depot. I have what's called a veil state, or I am a stutterer. So there wasn't a word on the other end of the phone. Together we will rise above this on the strength of what has always made Atlanta great its people, its leaders of past and present and its unique culture that is welcoming to all. He also goes public about the pain of learning of Michael Vicks role in an illegal dogfighting ring, along with other ups and downs in a life of unimaginable financial success. /Width 625 And they love that. But I would keep raising my hand. No, I'm not. During the 2020 elections, Blank contributed $300,000 to the Biden Victory Fund, $35,000 to the Democratic National Convention, and tens of thousands of dollars to state Democratic Party committees. Arthur Blank greets a crowd of cheering Atlanta United fans in 2017. I know you see my partner, Bernie, on Fox News very often. Its more like cowardly, and meatheaded. Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Wednesday he is encouraged by the progress of quarterback Desmond Ridder and the potential of building around the rookie. Fernandez says that they intend to use the stadium as an anchoring institution, and that the number one thing people in the community said they wanted are jobs. Where did your parents come from with your grandparents? We all came from someplace else, other than the other Native Americans. endobj Left to right: Dennis Ross, Arthur Blank, Bernie Marcus, Pat Farrah, Ron Brill. /CA 1.0 And he had to mop the floors for weeks and months on end. 1, Arthur Blank was born to Molly and Max Blank in Queens, New York. But, you know, I think the word civility is terribly important today in the political world in which we just don't see it the way we need to see it. ', We have to be better than this moment. Atlanta rapper, advocate Killer Mike has message for protestors https://t.co/zb3oMHK7sx, "You are disgracing the life of George Floyd and every other person who has been killed in this country. At the end of the day, you can have differences of opinion, which is a great thing to have, and different approaches, which is a great thing to have. So it was a great story and is a great story. It's good to be different, said Blank, but he said it's the intolerance of some that worries him about the future. Our family foundation seeks to preserve and strengthen our democracy, and weve chosen this as one of our new collective areas of giving. Kimball previously served as the vice president of network support at Teach for All. That origin story is well known in business and retail circles as an example of how bold, disruptive thinking can change the game, but Good Company provides a more personal view. 5) A documentary surrounding Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian's surrogacy journey is set to air on RT on March 13. Blank is a dedicated Democratic supporter, having donated thousands to Hillary Clinton's campaign, the Bullock Victory Fund, which backs the party's 2020 candidate for Montana senator, Gov. Steve Bullock, and the Democratic National Committee, to name a few, according to records filed with the Federal Election Commission. . I've always believed that the circumstances around me might change, but these core values, which we discuss in the book, they're not mine, they really belong to all of us. They have no serious public, political advocates. So you take your time, you get the words out and people will listen to you. So I think that from those days in college where I raised my hand and I know my buddies around the class would think, Oh, boy, here goes another 5-minute answer, you know? Its a story about making bad choices and the impact of young people. Atlanta Falcons vNew Orleans Saints Owner Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Flacons reacts before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. But, you know, I needed to change my view on what I could give back and how it could be connected to other people.. Arthur Blank is getting more involved in the political process. If you go to a Home Depot shareholders meeting, they start out every single meeting for 42 years now with this value wheel that we developed. All Rights Reserved. In total, they anticipate hosting each year 40 to 50 big events and an additional 100 to 200 small events in the neighboring park that will be built where the Georgia Dome currently resides. How do I do my part in it? 17. Both John Lewis John, just a month before he passed away and Andy Young have said to me that we do have to recognize that things are better than they used to be. 8 In 2012, Blank signed the Giving Pledge and committed to giving more than half of his wealth away to philanthropic efforts in his lifetime. 12, Blank has been married three times. Hes a combination of father and brother to me. These are not political issues, they are human issues that need serious, earnest attention from leaders and . So, I would say it was very successful. Please stop the violence!, Im not in Atlanta, but if I were I would have been standing with our Mayor! One was in pricing. 7) /CreationDate (D:20210314125741+02'00') I mean, everybody's standing for an hour-and-a-half and they just don't sit down. Now, there's no place for violent protest. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images), WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), >> Go home. The Number of White Teachers About to Get Fired is Exactly Zero. The trouble is that the NFL is not coming clean on that investigation. The couple filed for divorce in 2013. The largest donor was Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Blank who grew up in New York City said he believes the US is going through one of the most tumultuous times in its history. And my mother was giving him a lecture saying, You realize this is not what your parents would want you to do. But Still Not Even an Indictment. Two Gruden compadres, ex-Gophers star and former NFL coach Tony Dungy and his ESPN partner Mike Tirico, both black, are in a bad spot for defending Gruden about his michellin [sic] tires description of another black guys lips. He details the inception and rapid success of Atlanta United, and responding to the NFL protests that began in 2016. We had the option of going to a variety of companies, doing a variety of things in a traditional sense of management leadership. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. It's our job is to serve the American people and I think we need to have more focus on that.". /ca 1.0 Politicians, business owners and celebrities are speaking out to share their thoughts on Floyds death, the issues his killing have brought to the forefront and the protests that turned to chaos, specifically in Atlanta. Shrinking from conflict over something as valid, real and life-protecting as a vaccine is not what Id call, manly, brave, courageous or patriotic. He's committed to his wife now, his children. Blank also owns Atlantas Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a sports and entertainment facility valued at $1.5 billion that hosted the 2019 Super Bowl. Georgia businessman Arthur Blank joins with voting groups on Democracy Class Atlanta The Jolt: Arthur Blank teams with voting groups to forge 'Democracy Class Atlanta' Caption Credit:. But he was. He had three children with his first wife Diana Blank, whom he divorced in 1993. One where guys like the Vikings Mark and Zygi Wilf and Arthur (Home Depot) Blank of the Atlanta Falcons come off as comparatively rational. Not about dogfighting. One where guys like the Vikings' Mark and Zygi Wilf and Arthur (Home Depot) Blank of the Atlanta Falcons come off as comparatively rational. For years, Americans have fallen prey to the con of wealthy businessmen who want to build shiny new sports arenas yet dont want to pay for them. And that's it.
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