Adidas Increases Donation to Black Communities to $120 Million

The call for widespread change following of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police spilled into the sneaker world last Friday, with Adidas employees staging an ongoing protest in response to what was described as "consistent complacency in taking active steps against a racist work environment" by Adidas Originals Assistant Apparel Director Julia Bond.The brand issued a statement in response later that day, saying it "has always been and will always be against discrimination in all forms and stands against racism." Now, Adidas CEO Kasper Rorsted is speaking up on behalf of the company, along with detailing three specific actions the brand plans to enact immediately."While we have talked about the importance of inclusion, we must do more to create an environment in which all of our employees feel safe, heard and have equal opportunity to advance their careers," Rorsted said in the statement, issued yesterday. "As Adidas, we will create a lasting change and we will do it now.\u201dTo back up the statement, Rorsted and Adidas pledge to invest $20 million into Black communities in the U.S. over the next four years. Over the next five years, Adidas says it will provide 50 scholarships a year for its Black employees. Furthermore, the brand ...