Apple unveils new projects as part of $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative

Apple announced several new projects as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI) on Wednesday, including the funding of a 50,000-square foot learning center in Atlanta.

The company first made the initiative public at its Worldwide Developer Conference back in June. In the wake of the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and massive protests in the U.S., Cook used the livestream to talk about Apple's plan for fighting racial injustice.

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On Wednesday, Apple provided more details about the initiative.

“Every individual deserves equal access to opportunity regardless of skin color or zip code,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, who is leading the REJI initiatives, said in a press release.

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“For too long, communities of color have faced gross injustices and institutional barriers to their pursuit of the American dream, and we are proud to lend our voices and resources to build new engines of opportunity that empower, inspire, and create meaningful change.”

For starters, Apple is helping launch the Propel Center in Atlanta — a learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) — with a $25 million contribution. The center will offer educational tracks (including artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented reality, entrepreneurship, and more), along with internship opportunities, fellowship programs, and grants to support HBCU engineering programs.

The Propel Center will be al earning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Credit:

In Detroit later this year, Apple will also open an Apple Developer Academy in collaboration with Michigan State University. It will include two programs: a 30-day introductory program (for those considering a career in app development) and a 10- to 12-month intensive program to learn how to build iOS apps and start businesses.

Additionally, Apple also announced it will be investing $10 million with Harlem Capital — an early-stage venture capital firm — with plans on investing in 1,000 companies with diverse founders over the next 20 years. It will also invest $25 million in Siebert Williams Shank’s Clear Vision Impact Fund, which "looks to support businesses that operate in or serve underserved markets, and that foster inclusive growth initiatives." Lastly, the company also revealed it will be making a contribution to the King Center, a not-for-profit organization that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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