Washington, DC | Monday, January 18, 2021 — The U.S. Capitol Building represents the essence of our republic and the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The violent attempted coup on January 6th was not just an attack on a building, but an attack on America’s democracy. It was a tragic day for our nation, one in which the vulnerability and inequity of our nation was on full display.
As a professional organization for senior executives of color who oversee government affairs for fortune-level companies and trade associations, many of the Washington Heads of Office Leadership Council’s (WHOOLC) members are closely connected to the Capitol, both professionally and personally. The WHOOLC executive board stands in support of the elected public servants and Congressional staff working to ensure a peaceful transfer of power and uphold the constitutional ideals we all value. We also stand with the building staff, from security personnel to custodians and cafeteria workers, who work to preserve the sanctity of one of our nation’s most revered institutions.
WHOOLC acknowledges the courage of the Members of Congress who returned to the floor to certify the election results on behalf of their constituents; this sent a strong message that any and all attempts to erode our democracy, at any level of government, must never be allowed. As we move ahead, we will continue to speak out against injustice and inequity as we strive for a more perfect union, and look forward to working with the new administration to help create and foster a renewed commitment to civil discourse and bipartisanship beneficial to all Americans.