Cisco Live 2020 Postponed Amid Tragic Moment in History

Cisco chairman and CEO Chuck Robbins on Tuesday postponed Cisco Live 2020, the company’s first virtual event. He based the decision on customer and partner feedback amid the combined escalation of U.S. racial tensions and the worldwide pandemic. The company plans to reschedule Cisco Live 2020 later this month.

Cisco is one of many technology vendors expressing outrage against racial injustice and pledging financial support for organizations working to combat racism. The list also includes Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Verizon and more.

“We’ve made the decision to postpone Cisco Live. This decision was a difficult one to come by given how badly we want to connect with you, share what we’ve been working on at Cisco, offer you leadership and technology insights, and celebrate, as we always do,” Robbins said in a video. “But, in light of recent events, the turmoil happening across the United States, and with your feedback, we feel that this is the right thing to do. And, that is something we always strive for at Cisco.”

Pain and Frustration

Robbins talked about the pain, frustration and anger many are feeling — and the need for space and healing.

“Today, we find ourselves facing another pandemic. Not one that is new by any means, but one that we must confront,” he said. “The recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Brionna Taylor and so many before them, are horrific, maddening and truly abhorrent. At Cisco we have always aspired to foster an environment of dignity, respect, fairness and equality for all. Not just within the walls, or virtual walls these days, of our company, but this is the world we envision.”

Cisco is donating $5 million to charities that fight racism and discrimination. It’s part of the company’s recently unveiled purpose — to empower an inclusive future for all. Robbins noted that there is more to do beyond making a statement of solidarity and financial support.

“That includes acknowledgement, understanding and action,” he said.

Tech Community Comes Together

The chorus of outrage against racism and hate in this country included that of Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

“There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities,” he tweeted.

There is no place for hate and racism in our society. Empathy and shared understanding are a start, but we must do more. I stand with the Black and African American community and we are committed to building on this work in our company and in our communities. https://t.co/WaEuhRqBho

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) June 1, 2020

Microsoft is using the company’s platform to amplify voices from the Black and African American community at Microsoft.

IBM’s new CEO, Arvind Krishna, addressed racism on LinkedIn:

“All over the U.S., we have seen a number of deeply painful and heartbreaking events,” Krishna wrote. “Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and, more recently, George Floyd, amongst many others. Like you, I’m pained and appalled by their deaths. These events are tragic. They have …