Amanda V. Duncan

ALT To help job-seekers, we’re providing free access to resources, including Microsoft Learn content and 10 LinkedIn Learning paths that are aligned with the most in-demand jobs. These learning paths are as follows: -IT Support/Helpdesk -IT Administrator -Sales Development Rep -Customer Service Specialist -Software Developer -Digital Marketing Specialist -Project Manager -Financial Analyst -Data Analyst -Graphic Designer

ALT Look, this is a hard problem to solve, and you're going to hear terms like activism and things that sound like you can make a difference safely from the sidelines. To make a real difference, you're going to have to figure out what you stand for and then stand for it, every day, 24/7, regardless. As long as you're consistent in how you model that message and how you live that reality, then people will know where you are coming from. You'll be consistently living your values out loud every day. In my honest opinion, that's what makes you a potential ally. All I'm asking from you, from anyone, is honest, intentional, internal consistency. Think about what that means to you before you commit to a course of action. Less Lincoln, Microsoft employee of 3 years

ALT Let me grieve! I’m grieving the trauma of George Floyd and regrieving murders before him; regrieving my experience and fear for my sons. I won’t judge your grief; don’t judge mine. But I won’t succumb to the enormity of the problem! Hollis Williams, Microsoft employee of 10 years

ALT “... One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. It has always been the case that our strength lies in our collective power. The time has come for us to take our long-suffering hopes to make the world a better place, desires to understand the struggles of the Black community, and wishes that we could all just get along, and do more! Until there is justice for all, there isn’t justice at all.” Keane Johnson, Microsoft employee of 4 years

ALT “Figure out what to do! There’s been no shortage of devastating problems in the world over time, yet somehow humankind comes together to commit, dig in, and solve. We are extraordinary that way. The only problem greater than the systemic racism that’s woven into the fabric of our country is the apathy and inaction that cements it in place. I don’t want to hear another person say, “I don’t know what to do.” Read, educate yourself, speak out, have uncomfortable conversations, talk to your kids, learn to be an ally—just figure it out and take action.” Dametra Johnson-Marletti, Microsoft employee of 19 years

ALT “A lot of promises were made by allies after Ferguson. The promises never materialized. This time we must commit to doing the hard work to make change. After Trayvon Martin, Eric Gardner, and Michael Brown, everyone said "this feels different," and none of those tragedies have resulted in material change. Here we are again. Your empathy means a lot today; your actions tomorrow mean a lot more.” Todd Minor, Microsoft employee of 6 years

ALT "We have been here before. How do I give my children hope when racial injustice is our lived experience? How do I prepare them for a world where fear, anger, and pain is instilled because injustice is a probable outcome? Stand with me, work with me . . . let us change that outcome . . . give them hope.  We can break the cycle." Jacky Wright, Microsoft employee of 9 years

ALT "George Floyd was murdered asking to breathe. Breathing is a default right and not optional as a human being! My pain is that every image, sound, and video of his death (and others) is like watching my own. It should not take the death of Black people at this magnitude to inspire everyone to be an ally. This is not an indirect experience that matters from 9 to 5, but all the time, even at the sacrifice of perception and privilege.  We all have work to do." Phil Terrill, Microsoft employee of 5 years

ALT "I hope the support I’m seeing now is durable. When the news cycle wanes, those new to the movement must stay engaged and take real action.  Resist reverting to selective consciousness that leaves you uninformed and thus a passive, but still harmful, agent of racism. Learn to connect the dots on why this is an "all of us" issue, and then show up like a teammate who pulls their considerable weight." Kiesha Garrison, Microsoft employee of 7 years

ALT “Racial injustice is not acceptable and yet it continues. If you are outraged by what you are seeing now, let’s work together! Too many of us live a hesitant, tentative life – afraid to challenge what we know is wrong. We need to realize the strength and power we have together. It’s time we pay attention to the signs, stop and notice what’s happening around us and speak up. We all have a responsibility to step forward and change the world now and for future generations – nothing will change without the majority. We can do better!” Michael Ford, Microsoft employee of 15 years

ALT "I, like many others in the Black community, have feelings of real pain, anger, and fatigue when I think about the oppression Black people continue to endure. However uncomfortable it may be, I realize that we must be willing to have courageous conversations that help restore relationships and mend the wounds racism has created. Healing does not come through silence and inaction, but rather through intentional listening, learning, and effort that balance the scales of justice in our communities. This is not a burden that Black people alone can or should carry, but rather a call to action for everyone who believes that we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect." Melinda Moyo Turner, Microsoft employee of 6 years

ALT “I can’t breathe.” These three words haunt me, my family, my community and this country. I’ve uttered them aloud and silently so many times throughout my life, as have most Black people I know. These words translate generations of fear, anger, despair, powerlessness, pressure and exhaustion. We need to treat racism like the systemic pandemic it is, and come together to mobilize, dialogue and actively work to flatten the racism curve, enabling all of us to breathe freely." Toni Townes-Whitley, 5 years at Microsoft

ALT "I saw in Minneapolis a report of 200 incidents where arrests were made in the same way George Floyd was taken into custody. Of the 200 arrests, 44 ended up with those arrested losing consciousness. ~25%!!! I can't imagine where we would be if 25% of any other community was arrested ended up this way. Or, sadly…if 25% of the pets you love were treated this way…" --Rich Neal, Microsoft employee of 17 years