Conversations about Black injustices are igniting across dinner tables, online, and apparently in corporate boardrooms! Is social consciousness fashionable? It's definitely making some businesses rich. A big question for the modern world: should companies be profiting from activism?
There’s money to be made in inclusion. Abercrombie & Fitch was criticized for not hiring Black models, but now their front page looks like a 2002 FUBU ad! Are they checking a box to avoid being “canceled?” They’re not the only ones, either.
Amazon and Nike have been accused of “performative activism” – when a company does the bare minimum, like reposting a “Say Her Name” picture, or hiring a Black spokesperson instead of doing what they should: genuinely promoting justice and inclusion in all aspects of their business.
Both companies donated millions to Black organizations – but their donations were a tiny fraction of what they’re worth. Amazon is worth over $300 billion!
They need to hire, promote, and SUPPORT Black employees. Amazon and Nike’s Black employees came forward saying their social media presence doesn’t align with their work culture!
Activism shouldn’t be an advertising ploy. Countless companies present themselves as inclusive, but don’t treat Black employees fairly. One solution is to patronize Black businesses – and in general, be cautious where we spend our money!