Words by Smiley Team
The Rite Aid Foundation has committed to combat racism and foster more diverse, inclusive and equitable opportunities in communities by launching a new Racial Equity Awareness and Action Initiative that seeks to drive meaningful progress and sustainable change at this critical juncture in US history.
The initiative will invest in organisations, networks and programs that spark renewed dialogue, courage and action across many voices, stakeholders, sectors and communities. The Rite Aid Foundation will provide initial funding to two organisations, - EmbraceRace and United Way, each with a mission, focus and reach that can accelerate progress in key areas, through grants of $1 million to both organisations.
“Racism, injustice and intolerance have no home in the Rite Aid organisation or in our communities,” said Heyward Donigan, President and CEO of Rite Aid. “We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve. While this is a profoundly sad, difficult and important moment in our country, we also believe hope and progress is possible – one voice, one person, one family and one community at a time. Rite Aid can and will play an important role in the healing process through our support and involvement, and this initiative is the first step toward that goal.”
EmbraceRace supports a diverse and fast-growing community of parents and other caring adults striving to raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, informed and brave about race.
“The work of realising the true promise of multiracial democracy in the United States, where everyone feels they belong and where real opportunity exists for all, must start at the youngest ages with our children,” said Andrew Grant-Thomas, co-founder of EmbraceRace. “Children begin to develop their racial sensibilities at birth, with continued critical development during the early childhood and elementary school years. Our goal is to scale the strategies, resources and partnerships that enable our families and our nation to raise a generation of children who are thoughtful, informed and brave about race.”
With a National Advisory Team focused on civil rights and social justice, EmbraceRace provides parents, grandparents, teachers and other caring adults the strategies and resources they need to develop affirmative, race-conscious practices that nurture children with the tools and sensibilities to help end our racial divide, rather than reinforce it.
Meanwhile United Way advances the common good in communities around the world and works closely with business, government, the nonprofit field and faith-based community to address societal issues and drive community change. Its far-reaching presence in urban, suburban and rural locations in the U.S., coupled with its ability to serve as a convener and catalyst for change, along with its civic engagement platform for individuals to give, advocate and volunteer, provides breadth, depth and expertise to the initiative.
“There isn’t a more important or urgent issue than dealing with institutional racism in America right now at this very moment,” said Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way Worldwide. “United Way will work tirelessly across our network and our partners to pursue real reform and cultural change. Our belief is that community challenges are sustainably solved when all parties come together. Achieving that goal requires everyone to act united.”
“This is just the beginning of this conversation, and we pledge to listen more than we speak,” Donigan said. “We recognize our important role and purpose to care for the health and well-being of individuals and families of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, socioeconomic status and backgrounds. Only through open and honest conversations with our community – everyone in our community – can we truly drive the change necessary to eradicate racism and ensure we all thrive together.”
