photo by steed media service

Even though technological advances such as e-mail have lessened the need for face-to-face contact, Melvin Bazemore still understands the importance of human contact in building meaningful relationships. As General Motors’ director of corporate and government relations, Bazemore is responsible for fostering many of GM’s relationships with diverse communities.

“I am GM’s primary liaison with members of diverse communities and organizations such as Rainbow/PUSH, NAACP, the National Urban League and the Congressional Black Caucus,” Bazemore explains. For example, he is responsible for maintaining GM’s relationship with all 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus. This includes working with the CBC on various issues, ranging from safety to taxes and health care.

That responsibility often takes him away from his Washington, D.C., office to various events across the country such as Rainbow/PUSH’s recent Wall Street Project Economic Summit, which took place in New York City. Bazemore feels that it’s imperative that he attend, and that GM be represented at those types of events at every opportunity.

“It’s important for GM to be involved because African Americans purchase vehicles and we need to be engaged with those customers who are giving back to us through the purchase of vehicles,” he says. “We have a moral responsibility, I believe, to make sure we support the communities that support us.” -ivory m. jones

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