My heart broke as I watched the video of George Floyd’s last 8 minutes and 46 seconds of his life. The death of George Floyd spotlights the systemic racial prejudice, discrimination, and injustice that still persists around us and indeed around the world today. This did not occur in a vacuum. Black Lives Matter! The lives of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Tony McDade, Freddie Gray, Sam Dubose, Philando Castile, Terence Crutcher, Alton Sterling, Jamar Clark, Rayshard Brooks, and so many more who died. Their lives matter.
Systemic racism and the events that have unfolded across America and indeed around the world over the past few weeks, serve as an urgent reminder of the change that’s needed in our society.
COVID-19 underscored for us that our world is a village. It’s small, and we’re all inextricably connected. What happens in our community not only affects us locally, it impacts people the world over. The pandemic highlighted the disproportional impact to marginalized communities. Inequality is widening. We are at a tipping point in history.
We have a responsibility to speak up and say this is wrong. Equality is not a privilege that’s reserved for some and not others. Change can only come from our collective voices. Now, more than ever, we have to come together and support one another. We have to listen, and learn. We need to speak up and fight for equality and justice.
As a company, we can do our part. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive company. We must continue to act with heart and compassion, celebrate and welcome our customers, employees, and partners regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. We are committed to equal opportunity as an organization, and to staying true to our values.
We believe diversity is our strength, that coming together in unity is not despite our differences, but because of them. We welcome your ideas on how to use our products and technology to improve access and opportunity.
