Macy’s will honor the history and contributions of Black Americans with a series of activities during Black History Month. Beginning February 1, Macy’s will launch a special month-long round-up and donation campaign in stores and on-line to benefit UNCF (United Negro College Fund). Donations will raise scholarship funds for promising students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
With its month-long donation campaign, Macy’s continues its partnership with UNCF, the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. UNCF supports college student education and development through scholarships and educational programs. It has 37 member colleges and universities; collectively it supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities in the U.S.
Since 2021, Macy’s has raised more than $2 million for UNCF benefitting more than 100 HBCU students through academic and emergency aid scholarships. Funds from this year’s campaign will continue to provide scholarships that support degree completion.
In addition, Macy’s will leverage its social purpose platform “Mission Every One” to spotlight Black owned brands and host shopping events. This continues its ongoing commitment to take action to empower and support diverse businesses. Mission Every One directs social impact work to the causes and communities that help shape a brighter future for all. In this instance, it seeks to break down barriers to equality and empower young people to celebrate Black History Month.
Macy’s has assembled a number of brands to help the growth of Black-owned businesses. They will be highlighted in stores and on-line. Key brands that will be featured include:
1. Aminah – a luxury shoe brand for women
2. BeautyStat – premium quality skincare
3. Buttah – Dorion Renaud’s skin care line
4. Harlem Candle Co. – luxury home fragrances
5. Healthy Roots Dolls – dolls for young girls
6. Nude Barre – a bodywear collection created by Erin Carpenter
7. OMA The Label – a jewelry line by Neumi Anekhe
8. Soap Distillery – soap, candles, and bath & body products by Danielle Martin
9. SPGBK (pronounced “Spring Break”) – watches and bands by Kwame
There are many other organizations that Macy’s is funding as well. The list includes: 100 Black Men of America, Black Retail Action Group, National Action Network, NAACP- NY Chapter, National Urban League, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Additionally, Macy’s has an initiative promoting bold representation in design, styling, and sustainability called Macy’s “Future of Style Fund”. It supports Clark Atlanta University with a $100,000 grant to provide deserving students with scholarships
POSTSCRIPT: Macy’s commitment to support Black artists and designers is admirable. More noteworthy, the support of student loans is especially laudable since it raises the potential for young Black students to have more opportunities for studying and developing diverse skills. Developing leaders can only be achieved through better schooling.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/walterloeb/2023/01/19/macys-honors-black-stories-and-creators-during-black-history-month/