As Black History Month 2021 concludes, it’s important to remember work toward diversity, equity and justice is meaningful only if the action is sustained until it becomes an enduring foundation for a better world. Below are a few ways to honor Black history and achievement throughout the year, helping UPS fulfill its purpose of moving our world forward by delivering what matters.
Proudly Unstoppable: More than a campaign
Small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and minority-owned businesses have been hit especially hard. According to McKinsey, 57% of Black-owned small businesses are at risk or distressed – the highest among all ethnic groups.
UPS is committed to helping small businesses thrive as part of its “Be Unstoppable” small business campaign. Part of this campaign is the Proudly Unstoppable initiative, which aims to amplify minority voices and the needs of communities, for example:
- UPS partnered with Sophia Yeshi of Yeshi Designs – and crafted UPS’s first commissioned artwork titled “Let’s Rise Together.” Get your own Express boxes designed by Sophia online or Express envelopes at The UPS Store locations.
- UPS has partnered with the 30 Day Fund, a non-profit that provides forgivable loans to small businesses. UPS will make a donation each day in February, providing direct assistance to 28 Black-owned small businesses to help meet payroll, preserve medical benefits and save jobs. Join UPS and support Black-owned businesses now.
- UPS is spotlighting Black-owned small businesses in newly-designed SMB collection boxes. Small businesses featured include: Ellie Bianca Beauty, Essie Spice, Panther Graphics, Red Bay Coffee Company and Sassy Jones. Two of these – Ellie Bianca Beauty and Panther Graphics – are sharing their stories of perseverance and inspiration for starting their own businesses on various UPS channels, both inside and outside the company, through February.
Learn more about UPS’s support of minority-owned small businesses and its commitment to equity, social justice and action – how UPS is moving our world forward by delivering what matters.
Support education of Black youth
The proceeds from “Black Voices from Big Brown” benefit the MARCH Foundation, which was founded by UPS’s first Black package car driver Ken Jarvis and several UPS retirees to support the education of Black youth.
The book (e-book, hardcover, paperback) can be ordered at www.blackvoicesfrombigbrown.com.
