So this week, scratch that, this whole year has been nothing but mournful, infuriating, and truly unbelievable.
I don’t have to go through the list, because we all have lived it. But the most recent death of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, has set this country into a complete and utter outcry. George Floyd’s death exposed a deep wound cut deep with years of racial oppression ripped open exposing the world to the fact that people are still being killed to this day because of their race.
So as in most cases, people took to social media to express themselves. And for Black Out Tuesday many accounts and by and large companies posted black squares as an initiative to stand in solidarity with black lives. Many companies that typically are not on the forefront of supporting black and/or diverse lives were given major side-eyes. It’s one thing to join the fight towards equality late and to admit to that, versus showing up to support for one day and then BOUNCING.
So people started calling companies OUT, in hopes to spur ACTION. One being by Aunty Jackie’s post HERE.
I think we’ve each witnessed companies that are touting their allegiance to the black community and their support of diversity & inclusion, but their internal business practices and diverse representation DOESN’T MATCH UP. Behind those words, as consumers, we want to know what does that allegiance REALLY MEAN?!
We don’t want companies to just check a box and say they’ve sent out their PR statement of the year. That is just not enough. The black spending power is impactful, read this article by Nielsen data to learn more HERE. We don’t want to support companies that do not truly support us. So I’ve put together a list of companies by the beauty, fast food, and retailer industry and I’ve included their diversity numbers, or lack thereof. IF I MISSED A LINK, PLEASE SHOOT ME A COMMENT.
This is an opportunity for us to bring exposure and open a dialogue that could ultimately lead to action and change. We as a COLLECTIVE WHOLE gotta support where we are supported. And we need to take our money elsewhere if we are not!
BEAUTY INDUSTRY
- Loreal | REPORT HERE focuses on gender and not race
- Unilever | REPORT HERE focuses on gender and not race
- Estee Lauder |REPORT HERE focuses on gender and not race
- Procter Gamble |NUMBERS AREN’T POSTED
- LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton | NOT POSTED
- Johnson & Johnson | REPORT HERE
FAST FOOD INDUSTRY
- Mcdonald’s | REPORT HERE focuses on gender and not race
- Starbuck’s | REPORT HERE
- Subway | REPORT HERE
- Taco Bell | NOT POSTED
- Chick Fil A | NOT POSTED
- Wendy’s | NOT POSTED
- Burger King | NOT POSTED
- Domino’s | NOT POSTED
- Popeye’s | NOT POSTED
- Chipotle | NOT POSTED – REPORT NO NUMBERS
RETAILER / APPAREL INDUSTRY
- Walmart | REPORT HERE
- Amazon | REPORT HERE
- Costco | NOT POSTED
- Nike | REPORT HERE focuses on gender and not race
- Aldi | NOT POSTED
- Ikea | NOT POSTED
- H&M | NOT POSTED
There is so much visibility that needs to happen at these corporations, and so much work to be done. My message to you all is to be wise with your dollar. Demand change where it is needed. If our voices aren’t heard, they need to be taken elsewhere. As Bozoma Saint John said in a recent interview HERE. We want companies to put their money where their mouth is!