Target pledges national racial equity initiative support with $1M contribution

Target is making a new contribution when it comes to supporting national racial equity.

Aside from launching its own Racial Equity Action and Change committee this year, the retailer recently announced a partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative, or NREI.

Through that partnership, beginning in 2021, Target will be a sponsor contributing $1 million to be paid out over five years, the company said.  

“As our Racial Equity Action and Change committee works to create lasting change for Black team members, guests and communities, we are listening, learning and co-creating solutions with the Black community and leaders around the country,” Laysha Ward, Target's executive vice president and chief external engagement officer said. “The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice will apply data, research and analysis to advance civic engagement and policies. Together, we’ll work to address systemic racism, ensuring that this moment is a sustained movement with meaningful outcomes.”

Over the next few years, NREI will focus on such areas as education, economic opportunity and law enforcement. Target also will offer the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation its own perspective and counsel as the work continues, and establish social justice scholarships for students attending historically Black colleges and universities, the company said.