Massachusetts’ commercial real estate trade association has joined the growing list of business figures urging more attention to racial disparities in America in the wake of a Black man’s death in Minneapolis police custody last week.

NAIOP-MA CEO Tamara Small and Executive Director Reesa Fischer made the announcement in an email to members shortly before noon.

“We made this decision because we believe that now is a pivotal moment in history where attention should be focused on what has been ignored for far too long – hundreds of years of brutality, racism and inequity throughout the United States of America,” the email said. “NAIOP is about more than just buildings, which can be repaired. We are about strengthening our communities. Our collective voice is strong – and must be used to amplify those voices that are not heard. It is incumbent upon all of us to bring attention to these injustices now, and always. While NAIOP does not have all of the answers, we are committed to learning and working with all of you to advance much needed change.”

Small and Fischer said the organization applauded the peaceful protests which have sprung up across the country in recent days, and drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

“Today, we urge you to take time to look within and support programs and organizations like YWBoston that work each and every day to fight racial injustice. Change is needed and the time is now,” the email concluded.