We continue to process our anger at the wholly unacceptable actions resulting in the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. These horrific events have deeply impacted all of us and have been particularly painful for the African-American community.
At Venable, we are engaged in conversations discussing these recent events, as well as the history of police brutality against African-Americans, and the impact of systemic racism on our society. We are united in our opposition to racism. We are focused on how to come together and support each other as a community of colleagues, how we can support others in this challenging time, and ideas to advance and enhance progress on our ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.
Venable has a long history of opposing racism, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting others who share these values. We’ve made progress as a firm and made significant contributions over many years, both economically and in the direct engagement of attorneys and staff to progress in our communities. Yet we can and must do more. Recent events once again highlight that there is still much work to be done to end racism and promote diversity and inclusion. We all have a part to play—as a firm, as individuals, and in our communities.
The Venable Foundation and the firm’s pro bono initiative are well established and well positioned to continue to support community organizations on the front lines of these issues while providing opportunities for individual attorneys to contribute their talents. We continue to encourage and support our attorneys in these efforts. The Venable Foundation will contribute $100,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. The Foundation will also contribute an additional $100,000 to organizations in our communities that are making a difference on these matters.
Tackling these challenges is not a one-time event and requires ongoing and collective efforts. Collectively and individually we can redouble our resolve and efforts to achieve meaningful and positive change in our society.