Many of our employees, customers, partners, and the communities where we work and live are hurting. The Black community in America has already suffered disproportionately from COVID-19 through illness and unemployment. Exacerbating this, we are extremely saddened by the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and countless others across the United States. The murder of George Floyd has, again, highlighted the desperate need for police reform and racial justice in this country.
Things must change.
We believe that as a company we need to do more than simply post a message in support of the Black community. Instead, our contribution is to empower our 150 employees to drive positive change in their communities. Our people are at their best when they are supported to make meaningful contributions in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. For that reason, Cockroach Labs is instituting Connect and Contribute Days -- dedicated time for our employees to engage with and impact the world around them.
Cockroach Labs is dedicating Friday, June 5, as our first Connect and Contribute Day for employees to take action. For employees who need additional time, we are encouraging them to work with their managers to support their needs. Importantly, Connect and Contribute Days are going to be a part of Cockroach Labs going forward. Change requires action, and Cockroach Labs is committed to making it easier for our people to contribute not just to their work but to the work needed in their communities.
We all have to stand against hate, violence, and racism if we want it to end. And it is going to take decisive action from each of us. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing the actions our employees have chosen to take to improve the world around them. If you would like to see the contributions our employees make, we will be posting our activities on social media.
-- Spencer
