Altria Group has announced an initial commitment of US$5 million to address systemic racism faced by Black Americans and advance social and economic equity.
The funds will be used to support national and local organizations across the US as well as provide immediate support to small businesses in communities impacted by recent vandalism. This commitment is incremental to Altria’s planned 2020 corporate giving.
“These are difficult times, and we must find ways to embrace our differences, address underlying systemic issues, and move forward as a country,” said Billy Gifford, Altria’s c.e.o. “We know we don’t have all the answers, but we will learn by listening to our diverse colleagues, community members, and others as we seek progress within our company and the places we call home.”
The company will also launch a month-long employee giving campaign which will match on a two-for-one basis all employee donations. Recipient organizations will be selected by Unifi, Altria’s black employee resource group. Altria has also announced a company-wide paid “Day of Healing” on Juneteenth (June 19) to allow employees time for personal reflection and healing.