MACY’S HONORS BLACK CHANGE MAKERS IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Macy’s honors the achievements and history of Black Americans this winter through a partnership with United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and a commitment to Black- owned, founded, and designed brands. From January 15th through February 29th, Macy’s will host a special round-up in-stores and online donation campaign benefitting UNCF to provide deserving students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships and critical funds to further and deepen educational pursuits. As part of this campaign, customers can donate online or round- up in-store purchases, up to $.99, to directly support Macy’s Mission Every One Scholarship Fund. Additionally, Macy’s will feature Black-owned, founded, and designed brands by hosting online shopping events and more as part of its commitment to amplify and bolster diverse businesses and suppliers.
“As we continue to build a brighter future with bold representation, the achievements of Black Americans will be showcased this winter across our brands. By working to support and amplify underrepresented suppliers, we aim to provide our customers access to products that meet their evolving needs,” said Shawn Outler, Macy’s, Inc. chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer. “Mission Every One, our social purpose platform, guides our actions and decision making as a company. A key tenet of this work is empowering our future leaders. The support and critical funding we, along with our customers and colleagues, have provided to UNCF and other community organizations champion the next generation.”
A few brands featured in the program, shown at top, include BUTTAH by Dorion Renaud, a skincare line of products geared towards melanin-rich skin; Harlem Candle Co. by Teri Johnson, a luxury home fragrance brand that specializes in scented candles inspired by Harlem’s Jazz Age and its legendary residents; Soap Sox by Ray Phillips, an adorable line of bath products that make bath time fun for kids and easy for parents; and SPGBK by Kwame Molden (pronounced ‘Spring Break’), a vibrant and colorful watch brand that helps customers express their authenticity.
Since 2021, Macy’s has raised more than $3.3 million for UNCF, benefiting more than 450 HBCU students through academic and emergency aid scholarships that support their degree completion. In its second year, the Macy’s Mission Every One Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for students attending an accredited HBCU. In the 2023-24 school year, Macy’s funding provided more than 140 scholarships. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country.
“As we observe Black History Month, we are extremely grateful for Macy’s steadfast commitment. Macy’s Mission Every One Fund has been instrumental in fueling UNCF’s mission to provide access to quality education for underrepresented students,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “This year, UNCF celebrates its 80th anniversary, an achievement made possible because of outstanding partners like Macy’s. Together, we are making a significant impact in creating brighter futures for our youth.”
Macy’s iconic Herald Square windows will showcase influential Black visionaries created by Brooklyn- based artist Ashley Buttercup, alongside a window display featuring product from Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross. The display can be viewed from February 1 to 27.
In addition to UNCF, Macy’s will continue to create positive change for the Black community through its longtime commitment to various nationwide and local organizations focused on social justice, economic development and education. This includes providing grants to a variety of organizations including 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Black Retail Action Group (BRAG); Fifteen Percent Pledge; National Action Network (NAN); National Urban League; The King Center; The Memorial Foundation; an annual contribution to the education and research foundations of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. totaling $1,750,000 as of January 2024.
