Foot Locker joins the ever-growing list of footwear brands to pledge efforts to fight social injustice with their $200 million donation to support Black communities over the next 5 years. In the wake of the murder and subsequent outcries of George Floyd, brands like Nike and Jordan and artists like Kanye West and Virgil Abloh have pledged millions of dollars with emphasis on education and reform. For example, the Off-White Air Jordan 4s benefit The Black Curriculum in the UK. Similarly, Foot Locker joins the folds, planning to use the donations to invest in Black-owned businesses, brands and communities. Equally important, the American sportswear retailer will implement internships, mentorships and community outreach programs and more. Subsequently, check out the details below pulled from message sent out by Foot Locker CEO Richard Johnson. All in all, time will tell what other brands and celebrities join in.
A Message to Our Foot Locker Community from CEO Richard Johnson
Today, we are announcing that Foot Locker, Inc. is committing $200 million over the next five years towards enhancing the lives of our team members and our customers in the Black Community through Economic Development and Education. This commitment will manifest in many ways and across many parts of our business with plans built to have staying power long beyond five years. Our efforts will include:
Economic Development
- Invest in Black-owned businesses within youth culture
- Purchase more products from Black-owned brands
- Donate to organizations creating economic development and advancement opportunities for minorities – many of which will be based in the communities we serve
- Increase marketing spend with Black-owned companies, entrepreneurs, creators and collaborators
- Diversify global supplier and agency investments to Black-owned businesses
Education
- Extend our existing Foot Locker Scholar Athletes program and other partnerships to benefit additional Black students
- Fund training for Black Creatives at Pensole Footwear Design Academy
- Implement internship, mentorship, and community outreach programs for Black team members and communities
- Invest in relevant education programs for Black team members with our Black Employee Resource Group called B.U.I.L.D
- Direct a portion of the funding from Foot Locker Foundation’s annual “On Our Feet” gala. To beneficiaries supporting the Black community, including building upon our long-standing partnership with UNCF
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