Comcast commits $100 million to fight injustice and inequality

Brian Roberts, CEO, Comcast David A. Grogan | CNBCComcast has committed to spending $100 million over three years to help combat racism and injustice, CEO Brian Roberts announced in an email to staff Monday.The commitment is for $75 million in cash and $25 million in media. Comcast EVP and NBCUniversal Chief Diversity Officer Craig Robinson will lead the effort “to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability,” Roberts wrote.The commitment comes as part of a slew of corporate funding in diversity and social justice efforts following widespread protests over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died while a white Minneapolis police knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as the black suspect cried, “I can’t breathe.”Comcast is focusing its commitment on five areas: social justice, employees, awareness and education, digital equity and small business opportunity.Under its social justice commitment, Comcast will create “significant grants” and partner with groups “working to eradicate injustice and inequity,” Roberts said. Comcast will direct funds toward organizations like the National Urban League, the Equal Justice Initiative and the NAACP.Roberts said Comcast will “accelerate” diversity and inclusion efforts through town halls, a speaker series about race-related topics and mandatory training on anti-bias and anti-racism. The company will provide additional funds to employee resource groups and invest in a diverse talent and recruitment strategy.Outside the company, Roberts said Comcast’s media resources will continue to spotlight black voices and stories. It will also expand its programs offering digital skills training as a way to advance economic mobility. The funds will also benefit small businesses impacted by closures related to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a “substantial portion” directed to businesses owned by people of color, Roberts said. Comcast will also create new programs through its start-up accelerator LIFT Labs for black founders and invest in diverse entrepreneurs through its funding arms like Comcast Ventures.Disclosure: Comcast is the owner of NBCUniversal, parent company of CNBC.Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube.WATCH: Protests against police brutality spread beyond the U.S.


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