Comcast pledges $100 million to fight injustice and inequality

Comcast has announced it’s developing a multi-year plan that would include allocating $100 million to fight injustice and inequality.

Over the next three years, the company plans to distribute $75 million in cash and $25 million in media. This announcement is in addition to Comcast’s existing commitments to organizations supporting underrepresented communities through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

Per the announcement, Craig Robinson, EVP and chief diversity officer for NBCUniversal will be spearheading this initiative.

The company’s efforts will focus on five areas: social justice, employees, awareness and education, digital equity and small business opportunity. 

As part of its commitment to fighting injustice and inequality, Comcast will direct funds to organizations such as the National Urban League, the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP.  Comcast also plans to accelerate its diversity and inclusion efforts through a speaker series regarding race-related topics and will provide its employees with mandatory training on anti-bias and anti-racism.

Additionally, Comcast has committed to “making anti-racism education and inequality awareness a Symphony priority.” To do so, Comcast will highlight black stories, perspectives and experiences within its content. 

Comcast’s other efforts will include addressing digital inequities impacting communities of color and allocating funds to businesses owned by people of color that have been affected by coronavirus-related business closures.

“We know that Comcast alone can’t remedy this complex issue,” Brian L. Roberts, CEO of Comcast wrote in the announcement. “But you have my commitment that our company will try to play an integral role in driving lasting reform. Together, we hope to help create a more equitable, just and inclusive society.”

Comcast’s commitment to fighting injustice and inequality comes at a time when widespread protests over the death of George Floyd have resulted in many enterprises funding diversity and social justice efforts while also shifting their messaging to amplify black voices.