These names and others have reignited a human rights movement, which is casting light on problems in our society that stem from racial inequality and injustice. While we have never publicly taken a stance on social issues in the past, I feel that we can no longer remain quiet. Tension is high, but the conversations are open. This is a sad, yet hopeful, time.
Black Lives Matter.
This phrase has been politicized and scrutinized. But it's also been elevated and celebrated. Like so much that is going on in our own country right now, we are a divided nation. But I also have hope. People are talking with each other, posting on social media, and taking to the streets. Having these conversations is tough. It's uncomfortable, but it is also a good thing. We do not grow by being comfortable.
You may have recently seen blog posts by Cameran and Arianna here at Puget Systems. We see them as family. It is devastating to know that members of our family have to think twice when they go to the grocery store, to the park, or for a jog because of the color of their skin. We don’t normally venture into topics like this on our blog, but I made an exception in this case, in order to help amplify what they have to say.
The tech industry has not done a good job with diversity and equality. At Puget Systems, we’ve been working on that the past few years. I’m thankful to work with such a great group of people, who can do that respectfully and with the motive to make each other better. I believe that change starts with each of us individually.
We want to play a part in change outside the walls of Puget Systems as well. I want to put action behind those words. That is why I am announcing that we will be matching all donations to the NAACP Empowerment Program, made through the link below, up to $20,000. Their mission aligns with our values, “to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination”.
Each of our voices may be small, but together we can make a difference, and we’re already seeing signs of that happening! This is a painful time for our country, but it is also a time of renewed hope, where we have a chance to grow and better live up to the principles on which this country was founded.