Mary Wilson sent a message to Robert Niblock that said:
I was extremely disappointed to read the announcement that your small business grant program would be limited to minority and women owned businesses. I am appalled at companies who feel the best way to combat racism is to implement a different kind of racism. Giving preferential treatment based on skin color is racism. In my 55 years, I have taken action based on the color of someone's skin once, when I was ordered by my employer to only interview minority candidates for my job openings to improve racial quotas. I left that company, have been ashamed of my part in that ever since, and vowed never to do that again or support anyone who does. As a woman, I know that businesses owned by women felt no greater impact that those owned by men and because my husband is self employed as a contractor for a small business owned by a non-minority male, I also know that their business was affected just as much as one owned by minorities. You used to be my favorite hardware store. As long as Lowes feels it is acceptable to make business decisions based on a person's sex or the color of their skin, I will not be giving my business to you.
