It’s On Us, a note responding to current events

Affirm was founded on the core values that People Come First, and It’s On Us. These values, and the importance of acting on them, took on a heightened level of importance for me over the last several days, as I watched the peaceful protests unfold throughout this country. 

The overwhelming majority of American people (and companies) believe themselves to be good, and certainly not racist. Yet, the pain, anger, and grief we are witnessing speak for themselves: all of us have not done enough to address systemic racism in our society. We must do more, and we must do it now. 

It’s time to actively be and act anti-racist, to take each of our individual and corporate parts in righting the wrongs of our society. Black Lives Matter has to be more than a re-tweet or a like for each of us, and for our companies. The momentum of these protests must result in sustained action. 

Our team is never short on passion, and I am very proud to be surrounded by amazing people that are spearheading this work. Affirm’s vibrant BLACK@Affirm Employee Resource Group is leading us through education of what it means to be anti-racist and an ally, and through real, impactful action. 

Actions speak louder than words, but words are important too: they give solidarity a voice, they spell out action plans, and they serve as a public record of those plans. Below you will find the public record of the very first steps we are taking, with more to come. 

Black Lives Matter, today and always. 

--Max