In that vein, we’re posting a list of companies who have been outspoken in their support of racial equality. For the purpose of this article, we’re focusing on those that are in some way related to buying or selling a home, renovating, decorating, and even celebrating a purchase or home-related milestone. But you can track corporate donations and see a growing list of companies across nearly every type of industry who have taken a stand here.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, and we invite you to add anyone we missed in the comments.
Look to your lender
Choosing between financial institutions for a purchase or refi? “Bank of America pledged $1 billion over four years to help communities across the country address economic and racial inequality and said the commitment will include programs such as virus testing and other health services, especially focusing on communities of color, support to minority-owned small businesses, and partnerships with historically black and Hispanic educational institutions,” said Forbes.
Buy some appliances or new flooring at Lowe’s
The home improvement store has given $25 million in grants “to help minority businesses reopen,” said CNBC. The company’s CEO has also challenged other executives to “do our part.”
Change your cellular carrier
When it comes to cellular companies, so far it’s Verizon leading the way. The company has committed $10 million, which will be split between The National Urban League, NAACP, National Action Network, Leadership Conference for Civil and Human Rights, Rainbow Push Coalition, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
Get your sweat on
Since it’s not super safe to be in the gym right now, anyway, get a piece of home equipment for your new place instead. Peloton’s $500,000 donation to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund makes this an easier decision.
Order some dinner
Get a meal delivered from your fave new restaurant by DoorDash, who has announced they’re donating $1 million to the cause, including $500,000 to Black Lives Matter.
Support your favorite million-dollar lister
You may not be in New York or in the multi-million-dollar price range to use super-agent Ryan Serhant’s services, but you can support him from afar (and perhaps you’ll learn a few things about negotiating by watching his show, Million Dollar Listing New York). Serhant has pledged to “personally [match] any individual donations up to $5,000 per person,” adding that he’s listening when it comes to any other ideas in which he can help.
Book an Airbnb
Once it’s safe to travel again, keep in mind that Airbnb is donating $500,000 to be split between the NAACP and Black Lives Matter.
Get some new sheets
Brooklinen already has some of the most coveted sheets out there, and the company has now announced plans “to donate an undisclosed amount of money to the ‘right partner(s)’ as ‘the needs of the movement change,’” said Yahoo.
Get some custom décor
Etsy donated $1 million, which will go to the Equal Justice Initiative and Borealis Philanthropy’s Black-Led Movement Fund.
Carefully consider your agent or real estate partner
Some agents and real estate companies are being loud about their feelings and their plans to better support racial equality. “CEOs at Compass and Keller Williams…among others, detailed steps their companies are taking to address racism in the real estate industry and inside their offices,” said Inman.
The Real Deal notes that, “Major landlords including Brookfield Property Partners and Empire State Realty Trust say the destruction of property and looting pales in comparison to the social issues driving the protests. In the context of the larger movement that’s afoot right now, we think it’s a small consideration,” Brian Kingston, Brookfield’s CEO, told them. “In the sense that these protests and this movement is about fair and equal treatment for all Americans, we support that wholeheartedly.”
Los Angeles-based brokerage Ashby & Graff silenced their social media accounts “so that we may lift up and amplify the voices of organizations working on racial equality,” challenged “businesses across America to stand in solidarity with minorities in our country who are fighting for survival,” and announced they will be “making a donation to the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund to assist in their fight for racial justice.”
Pam Liebman, CEO of the Corcoran Group, wrote in an email to agents, “I can no longer be silent,” according to The Real Deal. “The murder of George Floyd is an abomination. It’s more unwelcome evidence — as if we needed it — of a specter that’s haunted this country for four hundred years. Today, you have my word that we are taking a microscope to this company and we are redoubling our commitment to inclusion and justice.”
Nest Realty wrote a blog post in which they proclaimed their outrage and promised to stand “with the black community against racial injustice, and the hatred that feeds it. We strive to be inclusive and respectful. Open hearts and minds lead to big ideas, better relationships, and stronger communities. We can do better. We must be better. Words can only take us so far. Now is the time to act. We as a company have donated to the following: Black Lives Matter, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and Fair Fight, a group led by Stacey Abrams to battle voter suppression and expand voting access.”
Buy some Legos
“The Denmark-based Lego Group said it will donate $4 million to organizations dedicated to supporting black children and educating all children about racial equality,” said Forbes.
Keep reading Architectural Digest
The magazine’s online portal has been using its platform to highlight and showcase black-owned design and décor businesses. “If you’re looking for more ways to support black-owned businesses, shopping with them is a direct way to make an impact. We’ve compiled this list—which is by no means exhaustive—of some of our favorite black-owned brands and new finds.”
Keep watching HGTV
You likely weren’t going to stop anyway, but you can feel even better about watching shows like Property Brothers with star Jonathan Scott’s proclamation that he will “use my voice, my platform and my vote to affect lasting change,” said House Beautiful. He also vowed to donate “to four nonprofits working nationwide: the NAACP, Fair Fight, The Conscious Kid, and the ACLU.” His brother and co-star, Drew, commented that he believes, “We can use this rage to fuel change and justice, peacefully. It’s hard to find words... but I have a duty to learn all that I can to help. Donate if you are able, have conversations that might be uncomfortable, help the helpers.”
Celebrate with some ice cream
If you’re looking to celebrate your accepted offer, or drown your sorrows because you can’t find the right house, for that matter, how about some Ben & Jerry’s? The company’s public statement about Floyd’s death is some of the strongest messaging out there.
“Four years ago, we publicly stated our support for the Black Lives Matter movement,” they said in a manifesto that begins: “We must dismantle white supremacy. Today, we want to be even more clear about the urgent need to take concrete steps to dismantle white supremacy in all its forms.”