On Tuesday 2nd June, social media feeds were dominated by black squares. Businesses, celebrities, musicians, sports stars, groups and individuals across the world were showing their support in light of #BlackoutTuesday.
#BlackoutTuesday provided a specific opportunity for people to reflect on how to challenge and address systematic racism - a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with communities through urgent action to provoke accountability and change.
Many Prime Employers for Women marked the opportunity and reinforced their commitment to forging equal workplaces and respecting people of all races, backgrounds and beliefs.
Here are some examples of how major companies shared their support for #BlackoutTuesday.
Amazon donates to support Black Americans
Amazon posted on Twitter that the company "stands in solidarity with the Black community — we remain steadfast in our support for our employees, customers, partners, and the communities where they live and work. And we stand in support of organizations that are making a difference".
The company announced a 10 million USD donation to organizations that support economic opportunities, education and justice for Black Americans.
Avon calls for all communities to unite
As a proudly inclusive brand, Avon posted "We can help overcome racial inequality if we unite together as a community" with the following quote from American civil rights activist Mary Angelou:
Avon's parent company Natura & Co also posted a comment stating "we must be agents of change" and shared a statement.
McDonald's encourages listening, learning and taking action
McDonald’s saw colleagues coming together to discuss the role of helping drive out hate and ignorance in communities by listening, learning and taking action. The company shared images on social media of the ideas colleagues are thinking about.
Furthermore, McDonald's grieves for those lost - and openly shows its opposition to systematic oppression and violence.
AECOM reinforces respect for diversity
AECOM shared a plain black image alongside the powerful words: "At AECOM, our purpose is to deliver a better world. We believe inclusion and diversity are essential, and that our differences make us stronger. We are listening to your experiences with these complex issues and are committed to helping bring positive change."
Passionate words shared by Eaton CEO
Eaton published a comment from the company's CEO, Craig Arnold, calling for compassion, courage and change with its employees.
F5 Networks calls on colleagues for support
F5 CEO François Locoh-Donou published a powerful statement. .
Additionally, the F5 Appreciates Blackness (FAB) employee inclusion group also penned a letter to F5 and asked their F5 colleagues around the globe to support them.
Schneider Electric stands with black colleagues and communities
Schneider Electric shared a black box and posted: "We do not condone racism or inequalities of any kind. We stand with our Black colleagues and community in support of racial equality at Schneider Electric and beyond." These sentiments were further reinforced and amplified by its employees across social media.
Schneider Electric's Employer Branding Content Specialist Isabel Barbosa also penned a piece. She discussed he views on systematic racism as a young, black woman living in the United States and offered practical aspects people can adopt in order to help challenge racism.
Employee advocacy seen can be seen in the company through its Black History Month celebrations.
EBRD shows support against racism
The EBRD expressed their support for everyone fighting against racism the world over by temporarily replacing their logo on social media with a black square.
Furthermore, the EBRD published a statement from the Bank's President Suma Chakrabarti titled 'There is no place for racism within the EBRD - or anywhere else'.
The statement said: "Racism is a global issue, ingrained into our power and cultural systems in a multitude of ways. The EBRD has, and continues to commit to taking an active stance against racism, or any other form of prejudice based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or nationality, both within our organisation and in our countries of operations. As a global institution, we strive to make each and every one of our staff feel their workplace is a safe space, somewhere where they can not only bring their whole selves to work but feel that they are accepted, embraced, and are enabled to thrive within our work culture. Our commitment is staunch, and we recognise that progress is an ongoing journey .... There is no place for racism, in any of its despicable manifestations, within the EBRD or anywhere else in the world. The EBRD stands committed to confronting head-on any such prejudices and discrimination."
Read the full statement here.
Action is needed
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.