Tim Cook condemns the killing of George Floyd : Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a memo he sent to his employees on Sunday, addressed the death of George Floyd .
The killing of George Floyd has sparked protests, with protesters flooding the streets after the news of “an unarmed black man being held by a police officer.” Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck by passersby. He was taken into custody on Friday and is now in custody, charged with murder and manslaughter.
"We can have no society worthy of praise if we cannot guarantee a free life for every citizen who gives this country their love, their labor, and their lives," says Tim Cook.
Tim Cook, in an email to Apple store employees, states:
«Group,
Right now, there is a deep pain etched in the soul of our nation and in the hearts of millions of people. To stand together, we must stand up for each other, acknowledge the fear, the pain, and stand up to the senseless killing of George Floyd, and the much larger story of racism.
We have seen America make progress, but the truth is that people of color continue to be treated unequally, and to be harmed.
I have heard from many of you that you are afraid, afraid of community , afraid of your daily life, and worse, afraid of your own body. We cannot have any society worthy of praise if we cannot guarantee freedom for every citizen who gives this country his love, his labor, and his life.
At Apple, our mission has always been and will always be to create technologythat empowers people to change the world for the better. We have always drawn strength from our diversity, welcoming people from all walks of life to our stores around the world, and striving to build an Apple that excludes no one.
But together, we must do more. Today, Apple is donating to a number of groups, including the Equal Justice Initiative , a nonprofit dedicated to addressing racial justice, ending mass incarceration, and protecting the human rights of America’s most vulnerable . For June, and in honor of Independence Day, donations will be boosted by the collective efforts of our employees.
To bring about change, we must reframe our perspective and actions in light of the pain that is so acutely felt but often ignored. Issues of human dignity will not be sidelined. To all our partners in the Black community: we understand. We care, your lives matter, and you are valuable to Apple.
For all of our associates who are suffering right now, know that you are not alone, and that we have the resources to support you. It is more important than ever to talk to each other, and find healing in our common humanity. We also have free resources that can help, including our Employee Assistance Program and mental health resources that you can learn about on our website.
It is a moment when many people will want nothing more than a return to normalcy, or a regime that will only be convenient if we turn our gaze away from justice. As hard as it is to admit, this desire is a sign of privilege. The death of George Floyd is shocking and tragic proof that we must aim far above a “normal” future, and build one that embodies the highest ideals of equality and justice.
In the words of Martin Luther King, “Every society has its protectors of the status quo and its brotherhoods of the different, who are famous for their hypnosis in the midst of revolutions. Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay alert, to generate new ideas, to remain vigilant, and to meet the challenge of change.”
With every breath we take, we should commit to being that change, and creating a better, more just world for all.
Tim »
Tim Cook takes a clear stand against racial discrimination, condemns the incident and calls for the creation of a better world, with justice that provides equal treatment.
