Corporate Response on Racial Justice

Caitlin McDanels, ACCP

 6/25/2020

Do you have updated information from your company? Email Caitlin McDanels to update or add your story today.


As the Black community and its allies protest for racial justice and equity across American cities – while enduring the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic – corporations are being called upon to share statements, commitments, action plans, and more regarding their responses to systemic and individual racism. During this time, a multitude of resources emerged for corporations to utilize. For example:

  • Cecily Joseph, Chair of the Net Impact Board of Directors and Advisor, Initiative for Equity & Social Justice at the Presidio Graduate School, outlined how corporations can integrate racial equity into their businesses today.
  • Bonnie Chu, Founder and CEO of Lensational and Managing Director of The Social Investment Consultancy, highlighted why racial justice matters in Covid-19 responses.
  • Laura Morgan Roberts, Professor at the Darden School of Business and co-editor of Race, Work, and Leadership, discussed how leaders can start to address systemic racism in their organizations.

Dedicated and purpose-driven professionals comprise the ACCP membership. Read on to find out how these members are addressing racism now.

Aerospace & Defense

Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun shared a letter with Boeing employees, committing $25 million in partnerships to help marginalized communities and outlining how racist behavior will not be tolerated.

Raytheon Technologies Chairman and CEO Gregory J. Hayes sent a memo to employees denouncing racism and calling for togetherness.

Airline

Southwest Airlines released a notice that it is standing with its Black Employees, Customers, and community.

Banking & Financial Services

Bank of America pledged $1 billion over a 4-year period to help local communities address economic and racial inequality accelerated by a global pandemic. Bank of America also committed $25 million in funding for the Smithsonian’s “Race, Community and Our Shared Future” initiative.

BBVA Compass USA President and CEO Javier Rodríguez Soler committed to standing with Black employees, customers, and communities and to continuing to find ways to serve BBVA communities.

Capital One committed $10 million to social justice organizations serving Black communities.

City National Bank will donate up to $400,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and Equal Justice Initiative.

Lincoln Financial Chief Diversity Officer wrote about Lincoln’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and shared her experiences as a Black woman in America.

Mastercard posted a detailed outline of how its addressing racism.

Northern Trust committed $20 million over 5 years to expand access to resources that address essential human needs.

T. Rowe Price and its foundation made a $2 million commitment to organizations working to fight racial injustice.

TD Bank Group President and CEO Bharat Masrani shared a message with employees.

Wells Fargo posted a letter from CEO Charlie Scharf.

Consumer Goods

Conagra Brands shared its commitment to diversity and inclusion and hired an external diversity and inclusion consultancy to identify areas to address within the company.

E-commerce

PayPal pledged $530 million in support of Black and minority-owned businesses and an economic opportunity fund.

Energy & Regulated Business

Alliant Energy posted a letter on racial injustice.

Duke Energy pledged $1 million in social justice and racial equity grants.

Entertainment

The Walt Disney Company pledged $5 million in support of advancing racial justice.

Health Care

Change Healthcare President and CEO Neil de Crescenzo shared a letter to employees on injustice.

Hospitality

Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta shared a message with employees.

Insurance

American Family Insurance vice president of inclusive excellence Tyler Whipple shared his reactions to George Floyd’s death and shared ways readers can take action.

Assurant President and CEO Alan Colburg restated Assurant’s commitment to its values.

CUNA Mutual Group Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Angela Russell joined Deanna Singh’s podcast, Uplifting Impact, for an episode around her journey in diversity, equity and inclusion.

Guardian released a statement on George Floyd and restated its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Manufacturing

Caterpillar Foundation is committing $500,000 to the Equal Justice Initiative and $500,000 to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

Ecolab Chairman and CEO Doug Baker shared a letter, highlighting Ecolab’s decision to accelerate diversity and inclusion efforts while promising to provide progress updates on its corporate site.

Pharmaceuticals

Johnson & Johnson Chairman and CEO Alex Gorsky sent employees a letter and committed $10 million to fight racism and injustice in America.

Professional Services

KPMG Chairman and CEO Lynne Doughtie posted a letter condemning bigotry and racism.

PwC shared a detailed post on how its standing up against racism, which includes financial and pro bono commitments.

Retail

Best Buy CEO Corie Barry shared a detailed letter, and Best Buy also plans to shorten store hours on Elective Day so employees can head to the polls and added Juneteenth as a corporate holiday.

Technology/Electronics

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emailed Microsoft a commitment to doing better and a $1.5 million donation to social justice organizations.

Telecommunications

Comcast announced a $100 million, multiyear plan to advance social justice and equality.

Transportation & Logistics

FedEx Chairman and CEO Frederick W. Smith and President and COO Raj Subramaniam restated their commitment to equality and respect.

UPS called for justice and reform to advance equality through efforts such as $1 million commitment to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and $3.2 million in programming support for the National Urban League, the NAACP, and United Negro College Fund.

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