Author: Katie SanFilippo, ChickTech Interim CEO

ChickTech Interim CEO Katie SanFilippo issues statement surrounding US protests of police brutality

Chicktech stands in solidarity with the Black community and we vow to support the fight of historic and ongoing systemic oppression and violence against black people across America.

The brutality and violence against Black people of all ages has sparked a crucial wave of protests and conversations in communities across the country. ChickTech joins our allies in condemning the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and Atatiana Jefferson among the countless others killed by racial acts of violence and at the hands of police officers.

ChickTech stands at the intersection of the technology community and equity. We firmly believe that the policing of black bodies and systemic racism contributes to an overwhelmingly white tech industry. We’ve been closely monitoring how the tech industry has been responding to this crisis, alongside the actions they pledge to take in order to acknowledge and support the Black community through their actions (both immediate and long term), dollars, and internal practices. @Sherrell_Dorsey, founder of The Plug, has created a database of tech companies and what they are doing to support the Black community during this time.

I recognize as a white female, I come from a place of privilege and I am learning. I’m learning by listening, by taking a step back and recognizing many of my life experiences and treatment has been based on the color of my skin. I pledge to hold myself accountable to my actions and words. 

To make these changes within myself, I will research, read, and learn about the history of oppression in the Black community. I will support those on the front lines of this fight through donating, and sharing experiences that aren’t portrayed by the media. I will use my privilege and voice to speak up for when others cannot or when their voices are downplayed due to current systems of inequity, and to give a platform for others to share their experiences and stories. 

The feminist movement has largely been whitewashed, suppressing the voices of Black women and minimizing the intersectional identities that bring different and increased forms of oppression to each individual. I recognize as an organization, we have much to learn and are striving to improve in these areas. 

I commit to delving into who represents ChickTech through our leadership, content, and partners, and working to make this representative of the communities we serve. ensuring that our organization is inclusive and works to empower and represent an array of people and experiences. I commit to creating a platform and space for our community to discuss issues of racial and systemic oppression.

The time is up. Legalized oppression and racial inequality must stop and can only be done when we each take action and come together across communities. Stay focused, be present, and speak up (and record/share those videos!).

To put action to our words, ChickTech will be offering free ACT-W Conference tickets (valued at $125) to the first 20 people that donate $50 or more to groups and organizations supporting protestors or directly fighting police brutality and oppression. For the first 10 donations over $150 to these groups, we will give you a free year-long ACT-W+ membership (valued at $250).  Simply donate directly to any of the groups listed below, send us your receipt to [email protected], and we’ll send you a code for a free ACT-W Conference conference ticket or ACT-W+ membership.  Additionally, we’ll publicly acknowledge all donors across this statement and our social media (if you want us to).

#justiceforallblacklives

Ways to Support Protestors:

  • Minneapolis Gas Mask Fund – Fundraiser to buy military grade gas masks for Black youth activists on the front lines, started by Isak Douah
  • National Bail Fund Network – A directory of community bail and bond funds across the country
  • Atlanta Solidarity Bail Fund – Support #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd protesters in Atlanta who are targeted for arrest.
  • Minnesota Freedom Fund – Community-based fund set up to pay criminal bail and immigration bonds for individuals who have been arrested while protesting police brutality.
  • Peoples City Council Freedom Fund – Los Angeles-based fund helping to pay for legal support, bail, fines, and court fees for arrested protesters in the city, medical bills and transportation for injured protesters, supplies and PPE for field medics, and direct support to Black Lives Matter Los Angeles.
  • Colorado Freedom Fund – A fund that pays ransom (posts money bond, pays cash bail) for people unable to afford the cost of buying their own freedom.

Ways to Support the Fight of Oppression:

  • Campaign Zero is a comprehensive platform of research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America.
  • The NAACP works to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
  • Official George Floyd Memorial Fund – Covers funeral and burial expenses, mental and grief counseling, lodging and travel for all court proceedings, and to assist the Floyd family in the days to come as they continue to seek justice for George.
  • Victim Memorial Funds – A list of funds to support funeral and burial expenses and family support for victims of police violence.
  • Unicorn Riot – A nonprofit media collective dedicated to exposing the root causes of social, economic, and environmental issues.

Research and Learn