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Against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has disproportionately affected communities of color, our Black community is experiencing ongoing systemic racism and continued injustice and violence. We are grieving the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, and so many other Black Americans who have been unjustly denied their fundamental rights to freedom, life, and justice.

I am outraged. As humans, we all should be. My advice to you? Do not let the fear of saying the wrong thing prevent you from saying anything. The worst thing that can happen now is silence. Your voice matters.

Earlier this month, in honor of Blackout Tuesday, a day when corporations and allies used their platforms to stand in solidarity with the Black community — we chose to be still, but not silent. As part of our Leading Through Change series, three influential Black leaders shared clear actions that we can take to address these issues head-on: 

  • Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Chicago-based Ariel Investments

  • Soledad O’Brien, CEO of Soledad O'Brien Productions

  • LL COOL J, Founder and CEO of Rock The Bells

Watch the conversations below: 

In closing, I would like to share some moments of positivity:

There are many more. These stories of solidarity give me hope. At the end of the day I firmly believe that we can all make change together. We all have a role in creating a more equal and just world for all.

In the coming weeks, we will be hosting a series of shows dedicated to combating racial inequalities and injustices in this country, with a focus on how we at Salesforce can bring about change by focusing on the four Ps: people, philanthropy, purchasing, and policy. 

Now that we can all agree there is a problem, it is time to stop talking and do something about it. Don’t give up now! We are just getting started.

As Andra Day said, "Having a desire for change is different than having a commitment to change." We are committed.

There is still work to be done on this path toward Equality, using our platform for these important discussions is only one stop along this path. At Salesforce, we are committed to this journey via our various programs, our Employee Resource Groups and by practicing allyship. Learn more at Salesforce.com/Equality.