Apple wants to support further African American institutions and projects in the USA as part of its “Racial Equity and Justice Initiative”. Companies today have “more than ever” the responsibility to “tackle structural racism” and to ensure greater equality of opportunity, said Apple manager Lisa P. Jackson, who heads the initiative. The aim of the new projects is to support communities that have “been exposed to racism and discrimination for far too long,” explained Apple boss Tim Cook.

Money for educational institutions and company foundations Apple now wants the Propel Center in Atlanta with 25 Support millions of US dollars, which will serve as a place of learning and exchange for historically African American coleges and universities (Historically Black Colleges and Universities – HBCUs), as the company announced on Wednesday. An Apple Developer Academy will also teach programming and technology to students in Detroit.

In addition, over a longer period of time, 35 million US dollars will be raised in venture capital and funding for startups and midsize companies founded by black entrepreneurs and other minorities, according to Apple. The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change will also be supported with an undisclosed donation.

100 Million US Dollars for Equal Opportunities Apple unveiled the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative last year in response to mass protests following the violent death by George Floyd in Minneapolis. Overall, the iPhone group has pledged millions of US dollars as part of the initiative 100, and global expansion is also being considered, according to the presentation.

Apple’s REJ initiative and similar projects by other US IT giants were welcomed afterwards, at the same time there was criticism of the sums offered, which are tiny in relation to the massive quarterly sales and cash stocks of the companies. Apple has not announced an increase in the initiative. (lbe)