In a bold move to address a troubling trend in corporate America, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has launched a national public education campaign in response to the rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs by several major corporations. This initiative, aimed at holding these companies accountable, calls on Black consumers to reconsider where they spend their money, sending a strong message to corporate America that the Black community will not tolerate such regressive actions.
NNPA Chairman Emeritus Danny Bakewell Sr. explained, “Now is the time for the Black Press of America once again to emphatically speak and publish truth to power.”
A Bold Stand for Racial Justice and Equity
The NNPA, which represents the Black Press of America, is no stranger to advocacy. With a rich history of informing and empowering the Black community, the organization has long been at the forefront of racial justice efforts. NNPA Chairman Bobby R. Henry Sr. expressed his firm stance on the matter, declaring, “We are the trusted voice of Black America, and we will not be silent or nonresponsive to the rapid rise of renewed Jim Crow racist policies in corporate America.” The NNPA’s new campaign is designed to shed light on the companies that have backpedaled on their DEI commitments, an action that is detrimental to racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
This national campaign will not only expose these corporate practices but will also be backed by research data that highlights the companies’ roles in perpetuating racial injustice, inequitable policies, and divisive leadership. The goal is to ensure that DEI initiatives are not just buzzwords for corporations but are practiced in tangible, meaningful ways.
The Power of Black Consumer Spending
The financial influence of Black consumers cannot be overstated. NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. reminded the public, “Black Americans spend $2 trillion dollars annually as consumers of products and services throughout the United States.” Given this massive economic power, the NNPA is calling for Black Americans to reflect on their purchasing decisions. Why should we continue to support companies that disregard or devalue the contributions of Black communities?
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