Here's what 9 top CEOs have to say about systemic racism and inequality in America

"The racial wealth divide is a result of centuries of policies and systems that have significantly curtailed opportunity and wealth creation for Black and Latinx people. We have a historic opportunity to rebuild our nation to be more equitable for all."

"It is clear that equity in education and quality childcare are two critical components to ensuring a successful future for students of color. And we know that a diverse and inclusive workplace is also crucial to business success. It creates a strong workforce and promotes fresh, innovative thinking."

"As business leaders, we are collectively opening new paths to jobs and career advancement by reviewing our hiring and promoting practices. We support policy actions that ease student debt burdens, increase access to high quality and affordable pre-K and K-12 education, and increase federal support for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions."

"The racial inequities that exist for many Americans of color are real and deeply rooted. These longstanding systemic challenges have far too often prevented access to the benefits of economic growth and mobility for far too many, and a broad and diverse group of Americans is demanding change. It is our employees, customers and communities who are calling for change, and we are listening – and most importantly – we are taking action."

"Underlying economic and social disparities that exist have accelerated and intensified during the global pandemic. The events of the past week have created a sense of true urgency that has arisen across our nation, particularly in view of the racial injustices we have seen in the communities where we work and live. We all need to do more," the CEO said at the end of May.

"We all have the opportunity to change the status quo — and business leaders across all sectors of the economy understand that change begins at home. That means doing all we can to make our companies as diverse and inclusive as possible, while ensuring accountability with measurable results. It is our responsibility to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds, and by prioritizing diversity and inclusion we can better our companies and our country."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated inequity in health and has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color. Higher incidences of underlying chronic health issues, including asthma, diabetes and hypertension, have compounded its effects on Black Americans and other communities of color. While the pandemic is unprecedented, sadly these health disparities are not new, resulting in many cases from systems, practices and implicit biases that perpetuate them. In addition to these inequities, there are also a number of factors – environmental, social and economic – that determine health outcomes. As employers, we're members of the communities where we operate, and we will work with government at all levels to help achieve better and more equitable health care and outcomes."

"Companies have a critical role to play in addressing deep racial disparities, through internal diversity and inclusion efforts, corporate philanthropy, and most critically, through their core businesses. Meaningful changes will require bold moves, and BCG is committed to helping our firm, clients, and society become more inclusive and equitable for all."

"Standing on the sidelines of racial and social justice is not an option. We remain committed to full inclusion and will continue to transparently share data to hold ourselves accountable and drive real change. Intel is also proud to advocate for public policy and legislative solutions that combat systemic inequity. Inclusion and equity are not a program or a competition. It's how we do business."

"Our goal as business leaders should be to increase educational attainment for all students. Investments in pre-K and childhood literacy can move us closer to educational equity and a society that offers everyone an opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of race or ethnicity."