Since introducing our Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) committee this year, teams across Target have been working to make faster and more meaningful progress in four key pillars: Team, Guests, Communities and Civic Engagement and Public Policy.
That last one is especially important for creating lasting change outside of Target’s walls. To make progress, we’re teaming up with several other companies in support of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) National Racial Equity Initiative (NREI), launching in 2021. As part of that commitment, Target will sponsor the initiative through a $1 million contribution paid out over five years.
“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,” says Laysha Ward, executive vice president and chief external engagement officer at Target. “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, the NREI will focus specifically on areas like education, economic opportunity and law enforcement—all of which closely aligns with the work Target’s REACH committee is driving through its Civic Engagement and Public Policy efforts. And along with our funding, our team will offer the CBCF their perspective and counsel as the work takes shape. The initiative also will help to establish social justice scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Check out our Diversity & Inclusion page to learn more about the work the Target team is doing every day around our core value of inclusivity.