In Support of Black Lives Matter
This is a challenging time that requires reflection and action, particularly from those of us in leadership positions. With this in mind, I wanted to share the message I shared with the Aki Technologies team:
Team,
It is with profound sadness and anger that we’ve been watching the injustices of the past few weeks unfold across the U.S. We have seen heart wrenching videos of violence and highly unequal treatment by those in power against people of color in our communities across the country.
Today, Aki publicly stated our support of people of color in the fight against racial injustice and inequality. Philosophically, we are committed to a just, free, and safe society and are disgusted by how our authorities have at worst encouraged and at best tolerated racial divisiveness and violence. It is also clear that we are only now seeing a small fraction of the injustices perpetrated against our fellow citizens of color, simply by virtue of bystanders with ready smartphones willing to film and share.
This was already a stressful and scary time due to Coronovirus, that has now become even more strained across society. Some of us are living in cities which are now under mandatory nighttime curfews. Large national retailers and local mom-and-pops have been looted and sustained incredible damage while some of our law enforcement and National Guard, sworn to protect the public’s safety have clashed dangerously with protesters, the news media, and even citizens standing on their own doorsteps. We recognize that this may make an already-challenging time, significantly more difficult for you. If you need time, if you need to speak with your family, friends or coworkers, or speak to a professional, take that time. Resources included with our health insurance plans are below.**
The members of Aki’s executive team have pooled resources and collectively made a donation, in Aki’s name, to the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit that provides legal representation to communities marginalized by poverty and adversely affected by unequal treatment. Just a few moments ago we expressed our stance on social media with the following statement,
“The pain of recent days has made it abundantly clear that every single one of us — individuals and businesses alike — has more work to do to ensure that this country lives up to its promise of equality. While there are more important voices to listen to than ours in this moment, we’d like to express solidarity with the black community on behalf of our company and have made a donation to the Equal Justice Initiative. We will actively explore more ways to stand against systemic racism.”
Because Aki has recently taken on compensation reduction measures, we did not feel it was appropriate to make a donation with the company’s funds, but if you would like to join the executive team in making a donation, the EJI has been rated very highly for many years and here is a list of other non-profits doing important work.
To be crystal clear, Aki believes that Black Lives Matter and will be a company that stands against hate, whether it be racially, ethnically, religiously or culturally-based. We’re proud to take a stance today in solidarity and unity with those in our country who have suffered from unfair treatment and oppression and we will follow up today’s statement with additional action on how we can be more proactive in the future. I’ll finish with a quote from President Obama who said,
“Because for all our differences, we are one people, stronger together than we could ever be alone. That’s always been our story. We are big and vast and diverse; a nation of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, different experiences and stories, but bound by our shared ideal that no matter who you are or what you look like, how you started off, or how and who you love, America is a place where you can write your own destiny.”
It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that we embrace and safeguard our diversity. While it is our largest challenge, it is also our greatest strength. Aki will be a safe place for that diversity to thrive and grow and we are proud to state both internally and outwardly that we support the movements to further ensure the safety and prosperity of people of color.
Yours,
Aki’s Executive Team
