It's a sad situation we see in the nation right now. And I've been talking to my leadership team all this weekend, and I understand the situation. I mean, it's hard to understand what's happening. And I rarely [inaudible 00:00:18] with words, but I have it today. And I decided I'm going to read what I think.
It's hard to get the words right. These events unfolding across the country, they're rooted in hate, and contradictory with our beliefs as a company, and leave me with a feeling of regret and sadness. Verizon is fiercely committed to diversity, inclusion across all spectrums because it makes us and the world a better place, why it's so difficult for me to understand. I'm hopeful that the rest of the country will come to an understanding that valuing everyone equally is the best way forward. These events have really struck a chord for me and our entire leadership team.
I know that many of you are deeply saddened and outraged by the events which have unfolded as well. I want our Black employees to know that they matter and they are valued. Although I don't share the same life experience, I want to listen, understand and help. And I know that my leadership want to do it as well.
I'm an ally, and my thoughts are with all of the families who have been profoundly impacted by these events. It's important that we all come together as a team at this unprecedented and uncertain time and above all support one another.
I want to add that the [inaudible 00:02:41] team is in many parts of our business, especially the Verizon media news teams covering these events, put themselves at risk to ensure the accuracy of the stories that they are reporting. We're taking steps to make sure [inaudible 00:02:57] are safe, which is so important to me and the leadership team. As you know, we have four stakeholders that we balance our efforts between. For our employees we're ensuring a safe place to share, discuss, and gain the support they need during this particularly difficult time.
For our society, I have directed our foundation to contribute 10 million US dollars to racial justice charities. The charities are The National Urban League, NAACP, National Action Network, Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and National Coalition of Black Civic Participation. And we will expand even more of our community-based effort to help and ensure we're making a difference where it matters, our small part to help move the world forward. We have the responsibility as a large corporation to do right in these times, we cannot commit to a brand purpose of moving the world forward unless we're committed to helping ensure we move forward for everyone. We stand United as Verizon. Before we transition throughout to other subjects, I would like us to take a quiet moment to pay respect to those who have lost their lives to racial injustice. And so each and every one of us can reflect on how we as individuals and [inaudible 00:05:01] team find the strength to stand up against racist.
All Speeches Great and Small