Like bookends, two major news events that have recently captured the attention of America stand distinctly and tragically apart. One involves the senseless shooting of Trayvon Martin, 17, an unarmed Black teenager in Florida by a white Hispanic, self-deputized neighborhood watch captain; the other, Don Thompson, 48, a Black man who grew up poor but got a great education and a chance to prove his himself and will soon become the CEO of McDonald’s.

Trayvon may have died because of his race, showing what can happen when fear and bias rule. Thompson was elevated to CEO of McDonald’s Corp. one of the largest and most successful companies in the world, proving the value of embracing our differences. The opposing fates of Martin and Thompson, 48, are like two sides of a mirror on our country showing both our deepest challenges but also our amazing power and potential.

Thompson’s success at McDonald’s was possible because the company has worked at creating an environment of equal opportunity. At the company Thompson is valued for his sizable talents and skills and the results he brings to the business. His background and experience are assets. The fact is McDonald’s values diversity as a strength, a competitive advantage.  It is in its DNA. From its board of directors to its vendors, to its franchisees and employees McDonald’s walks the talk.

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