Today we’ve learned that Apple is launching Racial Equality and Justice Initiative in the United States.
The smartphone community was put on hold when we learned that Apple would be making a major announcement on January 13, 2021. Due to the proximity of dates we all thought that it could be an early response to the Samsung Galaxy S21 presentation event.
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But now we discover that this was not the case. The announcement is about something different and perhaps more important: racial equality and justice. Following the latest events in the U.S, we can say that these projects are particularly important.
Apple launches Racial Equality and Justice Initiative in the US
Through their official blog, Apple revealed all the details of this new program that is part of their Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI).
This program seeks to combat the inequalities and limits of development opportunities present in the most marginalized communities.
The construction of a learning HUB, donations, support agreements with public and private organizations and civil associations, as well as the foundation of a developers’ academy are the heart of the Racial Equality and Justice Initiative at Apple:
“We are all accountable to the urgent work of building a more just, more equitable world — and these new projects send a clear signal of Apple’s enduring commitment,” said the CEO of Apple, Tim Cook.
“We’re launching REJI’s latest initiatives with partners across a broad range of industries and backgrounds — from students to teachers, developers to entrepreneurs, and community organizers to justice advocates — working together to empower communities that have borne the brunt of racism and discrimination for far too long,” he added.
These are the words of Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, highlighting the $25 million contribution in collaboration with the Southern Company to found the Propel Center project.
Also, one of the projects offers a hub of innovation and development for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The facility will be located on the University of Atlanta campus and will provide support to further study of all. The Apple Developer Academy in Detroit, the first of its kind in the United States, will also be opened.
Apple launches Racial Equality and Justice Initiative and this project will also help community organizations, investing $35 million in Siebert Williams Shank’s Clear Vision Impact Fund and Harlem Capital in New York to provide financing to more than 1,000 companies over the next 20 years.