Sony Music pledges $100M to social justice and anti-racism initiatives
Sony Music is pledging a $100 million fund towards social justice and anti-racism organizations with immediate donations for organizations fighting for equal rights happening.
CEO and Chairman of Sony Music Group Rob Stringer says in their announcement that they’re taking “action accordingly with our community fully involved” in how funds are being distributed.
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In the announcement, Stringer says “Racial injustice is a global issue that affects our artists, songwriters, our people and of course society at large. We stand against discrimination everywhere and we’ll take action accordingly with our community fully involved in effectively using these funds.”
Sony Music Group also says in a statement that they “established this fund with the full support of the initiatives undertaken by our sister entertainment company, Sony Pictures Entertainment and all divisions of Sony Corporation.”
Earlier this week, he created a day of programming including town halls and conversations with a variety of people speaking on the ongoing issues of racism and the protests happening in the United States and across the globe.
People included the day of programming were filmmaker Spike Lee, Ben Crump, the attorney representing the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, musicians Kane Brown and Kirk Franklin, the head of the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, H. Beecher Hicks, III and activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham.
Chairman of Sony/ATV Music Publishing Jon Platt, who is the highest-ranking black executive at a major music company, wrote an op-ed earlier this week too calling for change to the industry and society.
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“As a music community, we are anchored at the heart of Black culture, and our industry has an unrivaled role and responsibility to help lead society out of crisis and onto the path of true justice and equality.”
“Music companies have rushed to pledge solidarity with the Black community since the atrocity committed against Mr. Floyd. But I often remind my team of a fact that might seem odd for a music man to point out. ‘People see better than they hear.’”
“Timely action must follow the industry’s lyrics. Otherwise, words are ultimately empty.”
According to Variety, insiders say a task force is also in the works. Under Epic Records, chairman/CEO Sylvia Rhone and A&R chief Ezekiel Lewis led an open discussion with staff along with T.I. and Will.I.Am.
Further, Columbia Records’ Peter Gray and other executives are forming The Promotion Coalition. It is aiming at fundraising and creating action towards anti-racism initiatives with a goal of $100,000. They have a GoFundMe page explaining “We’re the people who get music played on the radio in the United States.” They continue by saying that this week “our job is to mobilize ourselves in a loud, clear, public Anti-Racism effort – with our actions, our voices and our networks.”
Both Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have also pledged to create funds fighting for racial equity.
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To show support through donations, connect with grassroots campaigns and obtain resources for allies, please refer to the links below.
Help the family of George Floyd here.
Fight for Breonna Taylor here.
Help the family of Ahmaud Arbery here.
To sign petitions for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and more, click here.
Donate to one or more community bail funds for protesters here.
Click here for more resources for protestors including pro-bono lawyers.
Visit Movement For Black Lives for additional ways you can help the cause.
Click here to connect with leaders building grassroots campaigns.
Here are some anti-racism resources for allies who want to learn more.
For other ways to donate, please head here.
