This year is turbulent to say the least. The tragic day of George Floyd's death has sent ripples across not only the US but pretty much the whole world. As EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson starts his message to the employees “We are in the midst of a global outcry for change.” It is (always) too late, but there is no better time than now to raise awareness, listen, learn and most of all, take action and never stop doing all of this.
As LA and California is very diverse, this wave of racial injustice calls for action has felt palpable. Living, not quite in any central parts but still in LA, we’ve not been too close to any demonstrations. The way I’ve experienced it is a surge of learning materials being shared among my colleagues. Movies, books, talks or anything on the topic of racial injustice. During the time when there were riots some bigger chains closed off their stores, with a simple note on their doors in my area. Downtown LA, Santa Monica and Hollywood is where most of the bigger demonstrations took place, and are still happening. This is a powerful wave of change, carrying the weight of history and generations experiencing racial injustice up to inhumane degrees on its shoulder. This is asking for 2020 to be the year where we aim to become a better human race together, for each other.
June 8th 2020. Source: instagram/yakooza
As if 2020 didn’t already prove to me again how lucky I am to be working with a job possible to do remotely, EA has also raised and gone above and beyond, setting a new standard to racial injustice action calls in the industry. I have never been more proud to work for EA. EA contributed $1 million to organizations fighting against discrimination around the world and additionally are matching employee donations 200% to the end of June. Big companies donating for causes are not uncommon, but here is where EA has gone an extra mile urging on all their employees for action. A new program giving employees a paid day off for volunteer work in the community. They are also providing a list of volunteer activities focused on fighting racial injustice to encourage and support us in this endeavor.
Source: The letter from EA CEO Andrew Wilson
BEAT!, the Black Electronic Arts Team has been heavily involved these past weeks even inviting the whole company to participate in conversations about what we can do to help racial injustice.They have been a huge educational driving force and these conversations have been promised to be ongoing.
The support and drive EA has shown to keep learning has been nothing but inspiring and encouraging. Ultimately the best part is that this is coming from the very top of the leadership group within EA and they are constantly reiterating that D & I is part of their, and hence the company’s, values.
Respawn Entertainment also replaced the front news screen in Apex Legends with a black screen adding “Black Lives Matter” showing solidarity and support.
"There is deep-rooted discrimination that is still unquestionably present towards the Black community, and it is unacceptable. Racism, whether from an individual or an institution, should not exist in our society. We stand with all of our Black colleagues and partners, families and friends in the fight against racism and social injustice"
To quote the strong finish from the message Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts wrote: “Black Lives Matter. Racial justice matters. Let’s stand together, act together, and drive change together.”
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