RBC Provides Direct Support to Black Communities

Published October 21, 2020 | 3 min read

At RBC, we actively support diversity, speak up for inclusion, and strive to enable positive change within our organization and the community at large. To help fight systemic racism and to provide support directly to Black communities, RBC has committed CAD $150 million to support Black youth, the economic development of Black communities, and social and racial justice reform in North America.

As a firm, we are committed to confronting inequality and injustice head on with our words, actions, and financial commitments. As a first step, in the U.S. we have donated to organizations that support social and racial justice for Black communities, including: 

  • The Vera Institute of Justice: researches and pilots solutions to promote fairness and justice within criminal legal systems.  Vera’s projects focus on three key areas: addressing inequalities that stem from mass incarceration, supporting communities that have been disproportionately affected by unjust policing and legal system practices, and securing equal justice and treatment for all. Vera is currently performing research studies to address the overpolicing of Black communities.
  • The Center for Policing Equity: measures and analyzes data regarding bias in policing in order to reform policies and ensure that equitable public safety is available to everyone. The Center for Policing Equity is currently working with the Yale Justice Collaboratory to research the most effective, just policing policies that are backed by science and experience.  Their work focuses on improving police-community relations across the U.S and performing data-driven interventions in law enforcement departments to fight bias in policing.
  • The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: fights for a racially just and inclusive society through litigation, advocacy, and public education. The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF) works at the legislative level to install fair administration of criminal justice laws, promote economic justice, provide equal access to education, and protect voting rights.  The LDF is a leader in the fight against racial bias and profiling in policing, and they are currently working to inform law enforcement about unbiased and responsible policing policies.
  • The Equal Justice Initiative: aims to challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for America’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) provides legal representation to those who have suffered from illegal and unfair treatment in the criminal justice system. The EJI also works toward reforming the existing inequalities in our justice system through advocacy, educating people on the history of racial inequality in America, and performing research on issues relating to mass incarceration.
  • We Love Lake Street: a fund set up by the Lake Street Council to provide direct support to small businesses and nonprofits in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. Many of the Lake Street businesses impacted by protests were immigrant and minority-owned, and this fund ensures that these businesses receive adequate funding to rebuild their storefronts and continue serving their communities.

In Canada, we are committing support to Black youth and the economic development of Black communities, beginning with the Black Business and Professional AssociationBusiness Is Jammin’ and Tropicana Community Services, in addition to our investment in the RBC Future Launch initiative to create mentorship and skills development opportunities for BIPOC youth.

“RBC colleagues around the world will not stand by silently as we witness the ongoing racial discrimination and injustice in our communities. We must work harder to stop continued and systemic anti-Black racism, and the hate and discrimination that persists. And we must continue to speak up for inclusion. The Black community needs our collective voice and action now more than ever.”

- Dave McKay, President and Chief Executive Officer, RBC

Diversity and inclusion is a key enabler in bringing our purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper to life. We are committed to making our workplaces, culture and communities inclusive and welcoming for all.

We have charted an actionable and measurable path forward, and we commit ourselves to listening and providing support and opportunities for Black voices to be heard. We need to continue on this journey every day and lead with respect, empathy and inclusion.

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