Dear FirstMark family,

It is with incomprehensible sadness and regularity that events across our nation continue to expose the tragedy and injustice of racism and racial violence that plague the United States and the world. Like all of you, we have been profoundly distraught by the deaths of George Floyd in Minnesota, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, Tony McDade in Florida, and the countless others whose lives were shattered as the result of racial injustice.

We do not pretend to have easy solutions to systemic, deep-rooted societal problems. We must, however, speak our conscience, be leaders in our own communities, and foster positive change in the spheres where we do have influence. Technology plays a powerful role in transforming society, and we have a duty to leverage our reach, our Board positions, and our platform as catalysts for change.

This starts with the unequivocal condemnation of all forms of racism and discrimination in any context, and a statement of deep support to the Black community. Black Lives Matter. It continues with profound reflection and action. We have started that process with contributions to several leading civil rights organizations committed to advancement and change.

We believe that now is the time for action, and that anything else would dishonor the tragic loss of lives. We move forward — deliberately, together, and with hope.

– The FirstMark Team