Apple CEO Tim Cook in a memo to employees on Sunday addressed the killing of George Floyd, an incident that touched off protests and, in some areas riots, in the U. S. and beyond.
Apple CEO Tim Cook in a memo to employees on Sunday addressed the killing of George Floyd, an incident that touched off protests and, in some areas riots, in the U. S. and beyond.
Cook in his letter denounced Floyd’s killing and asks employees to be instruments of change in the creation of a “better, more just world for everyone,” reports CNBC.
On Friday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck during his arrest. A subsequent video, captured by a second bystander, shows three additional officers holding down the unarmed and handcuffed Floyd. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was declared dead.
All four officers involved in the altercation were fired and Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.
Floyd’s killing sparked protests and rioting in several major U. S. cities.
In response to the ongoing unrest, Cook in his memo called out America’s “history of racism,” saying, “That painful past is still present today — not only in the form of violence, but in the everyday experience of deeply rooted discrimination.”
The CEO recognized the fear some employees have voiced and acknowledged racial injustice in the U. S., noting Apple has “always drawn strength” from diversity to create a company that is “inclusive of everyone.”
Saying “we must do more,” Cook promised donations to various groups including the Equal Justice Initiative, a non-profit focusing on issues of racial injustice, mass incarceration and human rights for “the most vulnerable people in American society.” The company is also matching two-for-one all employee donations during the month of June.
Today’s memo arrived hours after Apple decided to close select retail stores due to looting and rioting.
Cook’s full memo:
Team,
Right now, there is a pain deeply etched in the soul of our nation and in the hearts of millions.
