Originally Appeared: Blavity on August 11, 2020
The tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd opened the eyes of American communities this summer — forcing a reckoning with the history of racism in our country and its continued impact on our society. A nationwide recognition that we must work together to address systemic racism and inequality is long overdue, and it is incumbent on the efforts of every American to create an anti-racist society.
Outside of my professional role with the Internet Association (IA), I serve as President of the Fairfax County NAACP. I view my role with IA and my one with the NAACP as separate. But now, for the first time, I’m advocating for the same reforms in both positions.
The internet industry plays an essential role in lending a voice to those in the Black community whose upward mobility is often hindered by historical denigration and systemic oppression. And for that reason, the tech industry cannot remain silent in this moment. Black Lives Matter — that’s why IA, the trade association for leading global internet companies on matters of public policy, is committed to helping the internet industry’s workforce become more reflective of the community it serves and using our legislative resources to ensure meaningful justice reforms are passed by Congress.
