Google CEO, Sundar Pichai has announced the pledge of $12 million to groups working to tackle racial inequalities via an email to employees. This comes after wide-scale protests over the death of George Floyd keeps escalating.
“Our black community is hurting, and many of us are searching for ways to stand up for what we believe, and reach out to people we love to show solidarity. Supporting worthy organizations is a step in the right direction, but it is not a replacement for doing the harder work ahead both within and outside of Google,” Pichai said.
Pichai also said that Google plans to “work closely with our black community to develop initiatives and product ideas that support long-term solutions.”
Google adds that it has so far donated $32 million to racial justice in the last five years. The tech giant will also be giving the first grants of $1 million each to the Center for Policy Equality and the Equal Justice Initiative.
Also Read:
– Justice For George Floyd Delays The Start of Fortnite’s Next Season
– George Floyd: Google Postpones Android 11 Unveiling As “Now Is Not The Time To Celebrate”
– Jack Dorsey Commits $3 Million To Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp
Google’s video streaming division, YouTube also pledge a $1 million donation. The division announced its donation in a tweet.
We stand in solidarity against racism and violence. When members of our community hurt, we all hurt. We’re pledging $1M in support of efforts to address social injustice.
— YouTube (@YouTube) May 30, 2020
Besides the donations, YouTube held an 8 minute and 46 second moment of silence on 3rd June 2020 to honor the memories of Floyd and other black lives lost.
Google had earlier postponed the unveiling of its new Android 11 OS. The company cited recent events saying “Now Is Not The Time To Celebrate”.
George Floyd died after a police officer suffocated him with his knee. The officer pressed on Floyd’s neck despite the deceased struggling and telling the officer and 2 other colleagues, who held him down while another kept watch, that “I can’t breathe”.
The officer was initially fired and asked to go home but has now been charged with second-degree murder after days of protest.
For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle, and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@plat4om.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.