Disney was among the first of the major entertainment companies to send messages of support to their employees, and later the whole world, about Black communities and fighting racism. Today, the company has put their money behind those words. The Walt Disney Company has pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that champion social justice. Disney will be donating $2 million to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and additional nonprofits that work towards eliminating racism will get the remaining $3 million.
The Walt Disney Company has pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice, beginning with a $2 million donation to the NAACP: https://t.co/Heo5DKaiuf pic.twitter.com/FpSECsstXS
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) June 3, 2020
In a statement from The Walt Disney Company,
“The killing of George Floyd has forced our nation to once again confront the long history of injustice that black people in America have suffered, and it is critical that we stand together, speak out and do everything in our power to ensure that acts of racism and violence are never tolerated,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This $5 million pledge will continue to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP that have worked tirelessly to ensure equality and justice.”
This donation is part of a continued commitment from Disney for working towards the advancement of social justice. Disney has partnered with several nonprofit organizations, including the NAACP, and donated millions over the years towards championing this cause. Previously, Disney donated $2.5 million to the United Negro College Fund to provide grants for students from underrepresented groups to make a college degree attainable.
Disney has similarly partnered with its employees to strengthen their individual impact within their communities. Through the utilization of the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, Disney matches its employees’ individual donations to eligible organizations.
In an effort to provide solidarity and spread topical information, Disney has also used its various platforms over the past few days to address racial inequality. On Tuesday night, ABC ran a special news broadcast, “America in Pain: What Comes Next?,” that followed the protests and outrage sparked by the death of George Floyd. The special was preceded by the re-airing of two monumental and timely episodes of black-ish: “Hope,” which explores the issue of police brutality and flaws in the judicial system, and “Juneteenth,” which examines the lack of accurate representation of African Americans in our nation’s history.
What Can You Do?
we’ve compiled a list of organizations and resources where you can find more information, do some research, and make a donation in support of racial equality: