This month, we’re recognizing Black History Month, an annual celebration of the experiences and contributions of Black and African Americans who have shaped and strengthened our country. This year, more than ever, we uphold the responsibility to recognize and highlight the importance of amplifying Black voices.Last summer, in the wake of the deaths of Amaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, Waymonauts came together to listen and reflect. We identified a critical opportunity to more actively support Black Waymo employees, and the company’s newest employee resource group (ERG) was launched. Black@Waymo was formed in summer 2020 by our Black employees, employees of African descent, and allies, with the mission to champion meaningful educational opportunities, promote diversity across the company, enable collaboration with external partners that support the Black community, and cultivate a more inclusive and anti-racist culture.
Throughout Black History Month, Black@Waymo will lift up our company’s value of “Always Be Learning” with a program set to educate employees and partners on the past, present and future of Black culture. The program includes guest speakers like Tsedale Melaku, who discusses the importance of intersectionality in organizations, and Andrea O’Neal, who will speak to the old and new systems that suppress voting rights for Black people. Additionally, Black@Waymo members will participate in a number of virtual social events that educate and increase awareness of Black history and culture, including a book club event, a trivia night, and a few virtual DJ sets. Finally, leads from all of Waymo’s ERGs will participate in a panel discussion on the ways collective groups can shape connective spheres of influences.
Much like the approach we’ve taken in the development of our autonomous driving technology, our employees have thoughtfully considered how best to lay the groundwork today toward a future that truly lives up to our values and ideals. The formation of Black@Waymo is one important step toward that long-term vision.
Interested in joining us in our mission? We’re looking for people from diverse backgrounds across a wide range of capabilities. Check out our open roles at waymo.com/joinus.