There's a few things I need to say...

Below is a note I shared with our crew of Expletives. 

It's more important than ever for people like me -- white men who've been granted privilege based on the color of my skin -- to speak up and take action. And to encourage those around me to do the same.

At Expel, our company is strong because of our unique backgrounds and experiences. 

Starting right now, we must take action. We must create change. We must commit to do better.

Not just today or tomorrow, but long after the headlines are gone.

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First, to my crew members who are part of the Black community: The horrific events of the past few weeks aren’t new to you -- they serve as a stark, terrible reminder of the systemic, ugly racism that pervades our country. My personal feelings aren’t relevant in this moment, other than to acknowledge that as a person who’s been granted privilege solely based on the color of my skin, I cannot fathom the depths of your sorrow, your anger and your hurt. While I am angrier than I’ve ever been in my life, this must be a drop in the bucket compared to how you feel.

You are not alone. We care about you. We support you. 

While giving a damn is a good step, doing things to help achieve real change is even better. 

We have to do our part. 

If you’re like me -- feeling angry and sad and frustrated but not sure where to start or how to help -- there are some things we can do today to take that first step.

Here’s a simple list to get us started: 

• Make space for yourself. Take time to think, to heal, to protest … to do what you need to do. If that means taking some time away from work, we encourage that. 
• Start a conversation. Reach out to the black people in your life and let them know you’re thinking of them. Make it clear that you want to listen and learn about how to be better and do better. I admit that sometimes I’m afraid of saying the wrong thing … but I’ve learned that it’s far better (and appreciated) if you say something instead of staying silent, and then listen to what others have to say.
• Read. There are lots of great books available if you’re looking to learn more about racism in America and how we can put an end to injustice. Here’s a list of books to get you started.
• Get to the polls. Former President Barack Obama said it best: “We have to mobilize to raise awareness, and we have to organize and cast our ballots to make sure that we elect candidates who will act on reform.” Exercising our right to vote is important, now more than ever.

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. This Medium article has a long list of impactful ways that we can all stand up for and speak out against racial injustice. And this list from the Obama Foundation highlights even more ways to take action.

If you have other ideas, we want to hear them.

As always, if you need time and space, please take it. 

If there’s something I or the company can be doing better to support you, please tell us.

Take care of one another.

I love you all,

merk #BlackLivesMatter