Source: Apple
Apple has announced a further $25 million for its initiative to support minority businesses, and says this brings its total investment to twice the originally planned $100 million.
Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) was formed in June 2020, with a remit to support education and justice reform. Initially concentrating on the US, REJI has now expanded to Mexico, Australia, and the UK.
"We launched REJI at a critical inflection point for our country," Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, said in a statement. "We are resolved to keep building on the progress we've made to ensure equitable opportunity for Black and Brown communities across America and around the world."
"Building a more just and equitable world is urgent work that demands collaboration, commitment, and a common sense of purpose," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "We are proud to partner with many extraordinary organizations that are dedicated to addressing injustice and eliminating barriers to opportunity."
"And we'll continue to lead with our values," he continued, "as we expand our efforts to create opportunities, lift up communities, and help build a better future for all."
In announcing that REJI had surpassed $200 million, Apple also revealed significant new partnerships with organizations to achieve its goals.
One is with the My Brother's Keeper Alliance (MBKA), a program of the Obama Foundation. It aims to train over 500 leaders, and engage more than 50,000 boys and young men of color.
"Apple's continued support of the My Brother's Keeper Alliance empowers the foundation to develop and implement new initiatives that create opportunities for our young people," said Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation's CEO. "Together, we are building a more inclusive educational system that nurtures creativity, fosters innovation, and transforms the lives of boys and young men of color across the country."
"We are grateful for their partnership," she continued, "and look forward to our continued collective efforts to ensure all youth can reach their full potential."
Apple has also now committed a further $25 million to Collab Capital, Harlem Capital, and VamosVentures. These are three venture capital funds that work with minority-owned businesses.
Featuring these and many other projects that REJI is support, Apple has also unveiled a new report. A first-ever REJI Impact Overview has been prepared, though at time of writing Apple's link to it is not working.
