Disney Will Donate 5 Million Dollars to Social Justice Causes

On June 3rd, The Walt Disney Company announced that it will donate $5 million to nonprofit organizations for social justice causes, including $2 million to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Disney to Donate $2 Million to NAACP

The company aims to begin its donation by giving $2 million to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

NAACP’s mission is to secure the educational, political, economic, and social equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination.

With Disney’s track record supporting underrepresented communities, it’s not a surprise that Disney decided to donate to NAACP.

The association has various education and advocacy programs and does great work in communities across the country.

What Prompted Disney to Pledge $5 Million

The Chief Executive Officer of Disney, Bob Chapek, spoke on behalf of the company through its official website.

“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.”

Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO

Disney also voiced out its support for the black community through a letter addressed to its employees.

For more information on the George Floyd protests, watch this video by ABC News.

The Significance of Disney’s Donation

Disney has always been clear about its commitment to the community.

This is why on their website under the Charitable Giving section, this statement can be read:

Through financial contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts, and employee volunteerism, Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.

The Walt Disney Company

That being the case, Disney’s decision to donate $5 million is the company’s way of being true to that statement.

Also, it is a timely and influential response to recent happenings.

Disney and Social Justice Causes

This is not the first time Disney decided to donate to organizations that advance social justice.

Disney has previously donated millions of dollars in grants to help students coming from underrepresented groups for higher education.

One of those include the $2.5-million donation to the United Negro College Fund.

For several years, the company has worked with groups that empower communities of color, such as the NAACP.

In other words, Disney has been working closely with advocacy groups and organizations for a while now.

Disney Shows Support for the Black Community

Aside from pledging to donate and releasing a letter for its employees, the company also expresssd its support for equality through its shows.

On June 2nd, ABC aired special programming on some of its TV networks to stimulate discussions of oppression and race in America.

The programming also included an ABC News primetime special entitled, America in Pain: What Comes Next?

The special programming evaluated the protests and outrage from different parts of America in response to the murder of George Floyd.

Furthermore, that special was preceded by the re-airing of two monumental episodes of Black-ish: Hope and Juneteenth.

The episode Hope explores the police brutality issue as well as the flaws found in the judicial system.

Juneteenth examines the absence of correct representation of African Americans in the nation’s history.

Wrap Up

Following the actions that the company made on Tuesday, Disney’s donation was a way for the company to once again make their stand clear.

The Walt Disney Company’s stand against inequality and discrimination is a great example for all of us.

It is not only heartwarming, but also an inspiring move for Disney to use its platforms and resources to address the issues of race and inequality.

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