FelixCatana/iStockBy GENEVIEVE SHAW BROWN, ABC News
(NEW YORK) — 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.
That donation, the company said, would “further their longstanding work promoting social justice by eliminating disparities and racial discrimination through their advocacy and education programs.”
Bob Chapek, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company said, “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.
“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.”
The pledge is part of Disney’s “ongoing commitment to support organizations that advance social justice. “
For many years, Disney has worked closely with groups that advocate for and empower communities of color, including the NAACP, whose mission is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race, the company said. The company has also previously provided millions of dollars in grants to help students from under-represented groups make the dream of higher education a reality, including $2.5 million to the United Negro College Fund.
Through the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, employees can increase their impact in their communities by donating to eligible organizations, with the company matching those gifts.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News.
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