As Americans protested police brutality and the killing of George Floyd over the past week, they were met with tear gas and law-enforcement batons. The news took over the television, and it was broadcasted live on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
People have been extremely vocal about the case of George Floyd and have left no stones unturned to let the world know that Black Lives Matter.
Over the past few days, brands like Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, and L’Oreal have taken a stand on racial injustice and police violence following on from the death of George Floyd. As protests about the brutality faced by people of color and communities continue to intensify across the US, how can brands show solidarity in a meaningful way?
Let’s have a look at what brands had to say regarding the death of George Floyd:
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Nike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drcO2V2m7lw&feature=emb_logo
Nike released a video on racism, which said ‘for once, don’t do it.’ It’s a powerful play on its iconic tagline; the video urged people not to turn their backs on racism. Nike’s longtime rival Adidas shared Nike’s Twitter post, commenting:” Together is how we move forward. Together is how we make a change.”
2. L’oreal
Not all brands that have offered their support have been well-received, highlighting the need to have your house in order. Munroe Bergdorf, an English model, and activist took to Twitter to condemn L’Oreal for jumping on the movement.
3. Disney
— Disney (@Disney) May 31, 2020
Disney has also shared a message of support, claiming it” stands against racism.”
4. Netflix
To be silent is to be complicit.
Black lives matter.We have a platform, and we have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up.
— Netflix (@netflix) May 30, 2020
5. Facebook
The pain of the last week reminds us how far our country has to go to give every person the freedom to live with dignity…
Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Sunday, May 31, 2020
6. American Express
We're pledging $1M to help fight racial injustice w/ grants to two organizations: the National Urban League and the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund. We're also matching eligible contributions from US colleagues through our Gift Matching Program. https://t.co/48MvZh0KoZ pic.twitter.com/Mm0vVLW5cn
— American Express (@AmericanExpress) June 3, 2020
7. Amazon
— Amazon (@amazon) May 31, 2020
8. Apple
The unfinished work of racial justice and equality call us all to account. Things must change, and Apple’s committed to being a force for that change. Today, I’m proud to announce Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, with a $100 million commitment. pic.twitter.com/AoYafq2xlp
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) June 11, 2020
9. Google
Today on US Google & YouTube homepages we share our support for racial equality in solidarity with the Black community and in memory of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery & others who don’t have a voice. For those feeling grief, anger, sadness & fear, you are not alone. pic.twitter.com/JbPCG3wfQW
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 31, 2020
10. Microsoft
To continue to learn from & lift the Black and African American community, we’re shining a spotlight on organizations that are advancing social justice.
The Innocence Project exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforms the criminal justice system.
— Microsoft (@Microsoft) June 12, 2020
Kudos to these brands for speaking out!
