In the days after the nation erupted in protests following George Floyd’s murder on May 25th, many corporations felt compelled and committed to speak out on racial injustice.  As they released statements on racial equity issues and announced initiatives and donations to support social justice, many advocates are asking for more internal change as well.

The Numbers:

• Black CEOS at Fortune 500 companies reached a peak of 12 in 2002, a number that is now down to only 4.
• In the nonprofit world, more than 80% of leadership is white.
• The median income for black households is a little less than 60% of that of white households.
• Nearly double the amount of black Americans lack health insurance when compared to white Americans.
• Black people make up a larger share of US COVID-19 deaths (13% of the U.S. Population v. 23% of COVID-19 deaths).

Sources: CNN,US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Census Bureau (2018),

The Impact on Partnerships:

Corporations are not the only industry being scrutinized. Nonprofits are also being asked to rise to the moment. While focus and funding has shifted abruptly to civil rights groups, all nonprofits should be ready to prove out a commitment to racial justice in their own organization and sector. Now is the time to disrupt the status quo and be a part of shaping the solution.  Partnering with the corporate sector to accomplish this is another great way to effectuate change.