In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

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Dear Partners, I was exposed to the realities of Jim Crow at an early age.&nbsp; Segregation, disparities in health, wealth, housing, and employment weren’t an anomaly, they were life. The idea that a young Black boy could dream of one day going to college and aspire to be something great existed in my home with my mother and siblings, in my church, and within my community, but the dream often stopped there.&nbsp; Like many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), we’re encouraged to dream big and then we’re taught to keep those dreams to ourselves out of fear that someone might question our desire for more – our desire for true freedom and autonomy. It wasn’t until the Civil Rights Movement, spearheaded in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s by leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Yuri Kochiyama, Marsha P. Johnson, Madonna Thunder Hawk, Judith Ellen "Judy" Heumann, and hundreds of others, that this country began to witness a shift in racial and other discriminatory attitudes. These efforts influenced policies to address school segregation, unfair employment and housing laws, and voter suppression practices, but the movement did not put an end to the narrative of racial and social inequity deeply embedded in this country’s history.

Fast forward several decades, and we’ve welcomed a new era of civil rights activists and community leaders, many of whom are our partners, who face 21st century social justice issues such as the senseless murder of George Floyd, the unexplainable violence against Asian Americans, the disproportionate toll COVID-19 has had on Latinx and Black people, a slew of anti-transgender legislation, and the millions of refugees, undocumented, and displaced people around the world.&nbsp; Sadly, the list can go on and on. While I wish I had the antidote to dismantle systemic discrimination, I do not. But I do believe in the power of civic engagement and role it plays in social change. And I have faith in knowing that more than 50 years ago, a different kind of company was born that put people at the center. And these people, our partners, have been a catalyst for change in the U.S. and around the world.&nbsp; Through their commitment to their communities and one another, partners have demonstrated anything is possible when guided by a mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time. We haven’t always gotten it right, and we have experienced setbacks, but we’ve taken those setbacks and turned them into opportunities to grow and to be better.&nbsp; You hold us accountable, and I am grateful for that.&nbsp; We will always listen to our partners because your thoughts, feelings, and perspectives matter. That’s why, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-role-and-responsibility-in-advancing-racial-and-social-equity/">last year</a>, Starbucks took a series of actions that would accelerate our journey to advance racial and social equity for our partners and our communities with intentionality, transparency, and accountability.&nbsp; It’s not enough to share these words in one message, our work must be realized through action.&nbsp; Tomorrow we will share some details on our continued commitment to becoming a more inclusive company and instill that within all the communities we serve. These commitments are in addition to the actions we’ve already taken on the realization of our vision to create an inclusive Starbucks. We all have a role to contribute and its with that purpose in mind that we continue to invest in these areas for all partners. Learning comes by doing, and that’s what we are committed to. As a 14-year partner, I’ve prided myself in living Starbucks Mission and Values with a clear approach: real inclusion requires intent. When we do that, we have the power to reframe and normalize diversity.&nbsp; Actions that nurture and embrace our exquisite cultural intricacies provide proof that we are committed to real change, not an award-winning performance.&nbsp; I do not take this work lightly – we’ve made great strides, but we cannot lose momentum and must move faster to accelerate the change necessary and imperative to ensure Starbucks is the brand of choice in being the most diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I began this letter with a little about my personal life and journey because if we do not understand our history, we are undoubtedly destined to repeat it.&nbsp; For fifty years, Starbucks has been led by its Mission and Values.&nbsp; Through intentionality, transparency, and accountability, I believe we will continue to make substantial change on behalf of all our partners. I am proud of how this company has evolved, and I’ve never been prouder to be your partner.

“What we do is more important than what we say, or what we say we believe.” -Gloria Jean Watkins, American author, professor, feminist, and social activist

A More Inclusive Starbucks - Starbucks Stories

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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Starbucks Corporation

In a letter to U.S. partners, chief global inclusion and diversity officer Dennis Brockman reflects on Starbucks ongoing journey to be a more inclusive, welcoming third place.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/a-more-inclusive-starbucks/

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A More Inclusive Starbucks

We aim to create environments where every partner (employee) is welcome and feels a sense of belonging. As our journey continues, we’re taking bold actions with intention, transparency and accountability.

Strengthening a Culture of Inclusion

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Increasing access to mentorship

In 2021, we connected our Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) partners at the director level to senior leaders through a new mentorship program, providing 1:1 sessions and ongoing guidance.

“A program of this kind could go a long way in building not only skill and capability, but engagement and fostering a sense of hope and belief that I can maximize my true potential, and there’s room for me to do more than I’m doing today.” — Shanel, director of regional operations in Georgia and member of first cohort

The next mentorship series begins in early 2022.

Developing coaching opportunities

Pulling from learnings of the mentorship program, we’re launching a Leadership Accelerator Program to support coaching of BIPOC partners in non-retail roles who are still early in their careers.

“I want every partner to feel a sense of equity and belonging and being able to be their authentic selves every day. We’ll make a difference in this world. We’ll be the company that shows what’s possible.” — Dennis Brockman, Starbucks chief inclusion &amp; diversity officer

Growing participation in our Partner Networks

Starbucks Partner Networks are partner-led groups that bring together people with shared identities and experiences, along with allies, to promote a culture of inclusion and contribute to the success of our partners and our business. They are thoughtful advocates and powerful voices to help promote change and understanding within the organization and beyond. 

Today, we have 12 Partner Networks, with 77 active chapters in the U.S. To learn more, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-partner-networks-help-create-a-culture-of-belonging/">click here</a>.

Maintaining 100 percent gender and race pay equity in the U.S.

Starbucks continues to pursue and maintain 100 percent pay equity by race and gender for similar roles in the U.S. Learn more about reasons for the gender pay gap and the best practices and tools Starbucks uses to close the gap <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/how-starbucks-is-addressing-the-pay-gap/#:~:text=Starbucks%20is%20committed%20to%20100,equity%20for%20Starbucks%20partners%20globally.">here</a>.

Providing tools and trainings to create inclusive environments in stores

We’re committed to equipping managers and partners with the tools and training necessary to create store environments that are free from the effects of implicit bias. This includes a detailed discussion guide with scenarios for managers to understand how to connect with each partner more deeply, based on their individual experiences and challenges.

Updated and relevant training for all partners

We are requiring all leaders who are vice presidents and above to complete a two-hour anti-bias training and the foundational and racial bias courses from the To Be Welcoming curriculum. The full curriculum is also available to all partners and the public at no cost.

Setting and maintaining representation goals

We are continuing to pursue our goal of at least 30 percent BIPOC representation at all corporate levels and at least 40 percent at all retail and manufacturing roles. To see how we are doing, check out our interactive view of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/workforce-diversity-at-starbucks/">Starbucks workforce data</a>.

Creating accountability at leadership levels

All Starbucks executives will be accountable for driving inclusion and diversity within their teams, and we’re doing so by tying executive compensation to our inclusion and diversity goals.

Learn about how we celebrate heritage at Starbucks, and how our partners are part of our equity, inclusion and diversity journey:

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Barista in black cap and facial covering waves as he opens the door to Starbucks cafe

Supporting our partners, creating a sense of belonging

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Releases 2021 workforce diversity data as it makes progress against 2025 representation goals

Commits to increasing spend – to $1.5 billion – with diverse suppliers by 2030

Unveils first round of recipients for the company’s Community Resilience Fund dedicated to supporting small businesses and community development projects in BIPOC communities

Launches second cohort of mentorship program connecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) partners (employees) to senior leadership, expands coaching programs to begin this summer

Starbucks Coffee Company today shared a series of updates on programs and initiatives focused on advancing racial and social equity on behalf of its partners (employees) and communities. Today’s news on diverse spend goals for Starbucks supply chain, the company’s support of small business growth in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and internal mentorship initiatives reinforces Starbucks commitment to build bridges and create environments where all are welcome.&nbsp;

“These&nbsp;commitments&nbsp;are&nbsp;in addition&nbsp;to the actions we’ve already taken&nbsp;on the&nbsp;realization&nbsp;of our vision&nbsp;to create&nbsp;an&nbsp;inclusive Starbucks,” said Dennis Brockman, Starbucks chief global inclusion and diversity officer. “We all&nbsp;have&nbsp;a role to&nbsp;contribute&nbsp;and it’s with that purpose in mind that&nbsp;we continue to invest in these areas for all partners.&nbsp;Learning comes by doing, and that’s what we are committed to.”

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/a-more-inclusive-starbucks/">In a letter to all U.S. partners</a>, Brockman emphasized the company’s continued commitment to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging on behalf of its over 200,000 partners and ongoing responsibility to strengthen the communities Starbucks serves across the country.

The next disclosure of Starbucks workforce representation

Starbucks published data on its current workforce as part of its commitment to regularly share progress toward its goals to achieve BIPOC representation of at least 30 percent at all corporate levels and at least 40 percent of all retail and manufacturing roles by 2025 in the U.S. As of October 2021, Starbucks U.S. partner base was 71.3% female and 48.2% BIPOC. Breaking down our BIPOC representation further, our partners are 7.7% Black, 28.5% Hispanic or Latinx, 5.9% Asian, 4.8% Two or More Races, 0.6% American Indian or Alaskan Native and 0.5% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.

The company continues to hold accountability at the highest levels of the&nbsp;organization, tying the building of inclusive and diverse&nbsp;team building to our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-new-commitments-to-advance-racial-and-social-equity/">executive compensation program</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Accelerating supplier diversity and inclusion impact

Since 1998, Starbucks has been committed to providing an environment where diverse suppliers have an equal opportunity to compete for Starbucks business. The Starbucks Supplier Diversity and Inclusion program drives inclusion of qualified businesses with a focus on suppliers of all sizes and categories. In FY21, the company spent nearly $800 million with diverse suppliers, supporting more than 6,400 jobs and contributing to $1.2 billion in total direct, indirect and induced economic impact nationwide.

Today, the company continues in that commitment, announcing it will increase its annual spend with diverse suppliers to $1.5 billion by 2030.&nbsp; As part of this commitment, Starbucks will partner with other organizations to develop and grow supplier diversity excellence globally.

To ensure accountability and track progress Starbucks will share annual updates on progress towards these commitments. As part of this continued work, the company will also:

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The launch of a leadership accelerator program focused on coaching

Additionally, this summer the company will launch a Leadership Accelerator Program. Beginning with our BIPOC partners at the individual contributor level, this program will focus on empowering partner capacity for self-promotion, advocacy and career navigation while increasing diverse representation in the leadership pipeline at Starbucks.

Announcing the first recipients of Starbucks Community Resilience Fund

Following the company’s commitment to invest $100 million to launch the Starbucks Community Resilience Fund, Starbucks will issue the first round of funding of $21 million across seven community development financial institutions to support small business growth and community development projects in BIPOC communities. More on those CDFIs and their work can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-selects-seven-local-lenders-for-first-round-of-community-resilience-fund/">here</a>.

Grants to nonprofits that support BIPOC youth

To date, programs funded by grants from The Starbucks Foundation have helped support more than 100,000 youth across the country. The Starbucks Foundation shared impact results from its more than $5 million investment in eight&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/the-starbucks-foundation-announces-nonprofit-recipients-of-grants-to-support-bipoc-youth/">nonprofits supporting BIPOC youth</a>.

“Actions that nurture and embrace our exquisite cultural intricacies provide proof that we are committed to real change, not an award-winning performance,” said Brockman. “Through intentionality, transparency and accountability, I believe we will continue to make substantial change on behalf of all our partners.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These commitments are in addition to the actions we’ve already taken on the realization of our vision to create an inclusive Starbucks,” said Dennis Brockman, Starbucks chief global inclusion and diversity officer.

Starbucks Broadens Efforts to Advance Racial and Social Equity

Starbucks Broadens Efforts to Advance Racial and Social Equity on behalf of Partners and Communities

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We commit to be upstanders, not bystanders, as we continue to listen, learn and act to better serve our communities.

Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, our partners, our customers and our communities. Our relationships with those who keep our stores safe, including law enforcement, are guided by that principle. We also understand that as a company with stores in neighborhoods across our country, we have a responsibility and opportunity to do more to promote safe and equitable communities. That is why we commit to the following:

Our role in promoting safe and equitable communities - Starbucks Stories

Our role in promoting safe and equitable communities

We commit to be upstanders, not bystanders, as we continue to listen, learn and act to better serve our communities.

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The way we hire, develop and advance our partners (employees) is critical to our journey toward inclusion, diversity and equity at Starbucks. We are publishing our current workforce diversity data in more detail than we have previously shared, as well as our most recent filings with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. We will continue to share our progress regularly.

Below you will find the gender, racial and ethnic composition of our Starbucks partners based in the United States. To better represent demographic patterns among Starbucks partners, we are presenting the data for the key functions of our U.S. business: partners who work in company-owned retail stores (Retail); roasting plants/distribution centers (Manufacturing); and support center roles including Marketing, Finance, etc. (Corporate)&nbsp;

As of October 3, 2021, the Starbucks U.S. partner base was 71.3% female and 48.2% Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Breaking down our BIPOC representation further, our partners are 7.7% Black, 28.5% Hispanic or Latinx, 5.9% Asian, 4.8% Two or More Races, 0.6% American Indian or Alaskan Native and 0.5% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; To promote transparency and open dialogue, Starbucks disclosed its EEO-1 data for the years 2016 through 2021, and we plan to disclose our Consolidated EEO-1 Report for 2021 effective upon our next submission to the EEOC in 2022.

For a deeper understanding and breakdown of our diversity at Starbucks by job level, please explore the interactive data below.

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<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2022/01/2021-Starbucks-US-Workforce-Demographics.pdf">Click here for 2021 data description</a>

<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/10/Starbucks-Workforce-Demographics-Data-Description-August-2020.pdf" target="_blank">Click here for 2020 data description</a>

Our previous five EEO-1 reports can be downloaded here.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2022/01/SBX220111-EEO-1_2020_Consolidated-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020 EEO-1 Report</a> <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2022/01/SBX220111-EEO-1_2019_Consolidated-Report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2019 EEO-1 Report</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/10/SBUX20201008-2018-EEO-1-Consolidated-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2018 EEO-1 Report</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/10/SBUX20201008-2017-EEO-1-Consolidated-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2017 EEO-1 Report</a> <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/10/SBUX20201008-2016-EEO-1-Consolidated-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2016 EEO-1 Report</a>

The way we hire, develop and advance our partners (employees) is critical to our journey toward inclusion, diversity and equity at Starbucks.

Workforce Diversity at Starbucks

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In a letter to partners (employees), Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson outlines further steps the company will take to advance inclusion, diversity and equity on behalf of its partners and the communities it serves.

As we continue together on our journey to advance racial and social equity on behalf of our partners and the communities we serve, I keep coming back to three principles: intention, transparency and accountability.

That is, as we consider the role and responsibility of Starbucks, as a company, to lead by example in areas of inclusion, diversity, and equity, we will: 1) be intentional about the actions we take and how they line up with our Mission and Values, 2) commit to transparency with all stakeholders about our thinking and our goals, and 3) hold ourselves accountable.

Those are the same three principles we outlined for ourselves over two years ago in Philadelphia that led to the closing of our 8,000 company-owned stores for a day of anti-bias training. Those principles further led to our partnership with Arizona State University in developing our <a href="https://tobewelcoming.com/">To Be Welcoming</a> curriculum, to our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">civil rights assessment</a> led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and a bold decision to make that assessment public, and our success in achieving <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/how-starbucks-is-addressing-the-pay-gap/">gender and race pay equity</a> in the U.S.

In the partner <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/a-message-from-starbucks-ceo-to-partners-and-customers-on-civic-responsibility/">letter</a> I sent at the end of August, I outlined critical questions I believe each of us ought to be asking ourselves in this pivotal societal moment.&nbsp;

We are well underway with efforts to help answer the question about our roles and responsibilities as individuals, with action to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/fuel-our-democracy-starbucks-helps-partners-customers-prepare-to-vote/">reduce barriers to voting</a> for those who wear the green apron as well as for our customers.

Today, I’m pleased to tell you about several new actions Starbucks will be taking as we continue our journey and step up our efforts.

As we discuss inclusion, diversity and equity, we discover time and again that these topics are foundational to our Starbucks Mission and Values. Of course, they are. The very concept of the Third Place embodies inclusion – creating a place of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome. It’s what we mean when we talk about connecting with transparency, dignity and respect.

I believe our Mission and Values are what have made, and continue to make, Starbucks an enduring company. We share a purpose that transcends the pursuit of profit and that will carry us forward as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Starbucks next year.&nbsp;

Advancing Starbucks Culture of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

We know that a more inclusive environment will create a flywheel that leads to greater diversity, and thereby greater equity and opportunity for all. Greater diversity enables us to better fulfill our mission. We have already taken action on many of the recommendations that resulted from our Civil Rights Assessment but, while we have made progress in many areas, we know that there is still more work to be done.

Today, we are outlining additional actions we will take on our journey. Each of the actions lines up with our Mission and Values, and so we know they are not just fleeting initiatives, but rather woven into the fabric of Starbucks. And I ask you to be engaged in this journey, knowing this requires long-term thinking that is backed up by the daily, sustained work that we are committed to do. &nbsp;As a part of these actions:

Supporting the resilience of the communities we serve

When we talk about using Starbucks “scale for good,” we mean that every business has the potential to promote equity in the community it serves; and since Starbucks serves more than 30,000 communities, we have the potential – and yes, responsibility – to promote equity on a larger scale than some other businesses.

I continue to be impressed and awed by the dedication and resilience of all partners who wear the green apron, especially now, when the communities we serve need the comfort, familiarity and safety that Starbucks provides. Thank you for all you do.

We have a responsibility to build bridges and create environments where all are welcome. Our journey continues as we are guided by intentionality, transparency and accountability.

In a letter to partners (employees), Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson outlines further steps the company will take to advance inclusion, diversity and equity.

Starbucks role and responsibility in advancing racial and social equity

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Today Starbucks shared next steps it’s taking to advance racial and social equity as part of its ongoing journey to create a welcoming and inclusive Third Place.

In<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-role-and-responsibility-in-advancing-racial-and-social-equity/"> letter to partners</a>, ceo Kevin Johnson outlined new commitments the company will make to elevate inclusion, diversity, and equity on behalf of partners (employees) and the communities it serves – rooted in intentionality, transparency and accountability.&nbsp;

“As we discuss inclusion, diversity and equity, we discover time and again that these topics are foundational to our Starbucks Mission and Values,” Johnson said. “Of course, they are. The very concept of the Third Place embodies inclusion – creating a place of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome."

The full list of those commitments is available <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/our-commitment-to-inclusion-diversity-and-equity-at-starbucks/">here</a> with key highlights including:

In addition, the company announced the rollout of&nbsp;$1.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-awards-neighborhood-grants-to-advance-racial-equity/">Neighborhood Grants</a>&nbsp;from The Starbucks Foundation prioritizing grassroots and community-based nonprofit organizations focused on local impact. These grants aim to uplift organizations led by and that serve Black&nbsp;communities&nbsp;and will support more than 400 local nonprofit&nbsp;organizations across the country. The Foundation will also invest&nbsp;$5&nbsp;million&nbsp;to launch a&nbsp;two-year initiative focused on supporting&nbsp;nonprofits&nbsp;that serve&nbsp;BIPOC youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks shared next steps it’s taking to advance racial and social equity as part of its ongoing journey to create a welcoming and inclusive Third Place.

Starbucks announces new commitments to advance racial and social equity

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-new-commitments-to-advance-racial-and-social-equity/

From our earliest days, diversity and inclusion have been at the heart of how we do business. It is reflected in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-mission-and-values/">Our Mission and Values</a>, which is dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone is welcome. We are working closely with community leaders, civil rights leaders, organizations that promote racial equity and our partners to uphold our commitment to make a positive contribution to our communities.

Here is a review of key milestones marking the company’s commitment to racial justice and social equity.

Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-broadens-efforts-to-advance-racial-and-social-equity-on-behalf-of-partners-and-communities/">announces launch of a leadership accelerator program</a> beginning with BIPOC partners, focused on empowering partner capacity for self-promotion, advocacy and career navigation.

Starbucks sets goals to increase annual spend with diverse suppliers to $1.5B by 2030.

Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-selects-seven-local-lenders-for-first-round-of-community-resilience-fund/">announces it will issue $21 million</a> to seven community development financial institutions (CDFIs) as part of its Community Resilience Fund.

The Starbucks Foundation shares impact results from its more than $5 million investment in eight <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/the-starbucks-foundation-announces-nonprofit-recipients-of-grants-to-support-bipoc-youth/" target="_blank">nonprofits supporting BIPOC youth</a>, reported to support more than 100,000 youth across the country.

Starbucks graduates first cohort of partners in the inaugural mentorship program.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-grants-support-equitable-access-to-food/">Starbucks donates $1.7 million to Feeding America</a> to support equitable food access grants, designed to help food banks provide nutritious food to households with BIPOC individuals residing in communities experiencing high rates of food insecurity.

March 2021

Publishes third civil rights assessment

Starbucks publishes its third Civil Rights Assessment conducted by Covington &amp; Burling LLP under the leadership of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. The report is an objective evaluation that 1) provides a factual and honest review of the company’s journey in inclusion, diversity and equity and 2) helps track progress over time to drive truly lasting change. Read the report <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/Starbucks-2021-Civil-Rights-Assessment.pdf">here</a>.

Achieves 100% pay equity

Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-celebrates-its-50th-anniversary-and-looks-toward-a-future-of-endless-possibility/">shared</a> that last year it once again achieved and maintained 100% pay equity by race and gender for similar roles in the U.S. Learn more about reasons for the gender pay gap and the best practices and tools Starbucks uses to close the gap <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/how-starbucks-is-addressing-the-pay-gap/#:~:text=Starbucks%20is%20committed%20to%20100,equity%20for%20Starbucks%20partners%20globally.">here</a>.

Invests in BIPOC businesses and communities

Starbucks announces plan to invest $100 million to create the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-expands-initiatives-to-advance-opportunity-equity-and-inclusion-in-the-communities-it-serves/">Starbucks Community Resilience Fund</a> focused on advancing racial equity and environmental resilience by supporting small business growth and community development projects in BIPOC neighborhoods.

Partners with Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-partners-with-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture/">partners with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture</a> to share the museum’s educational resources and digital initiatives like the Freedmen’s Bureau Transcription Project.

Starbucks shares <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/our-commitment-to-inclusion-diversity-and-equity-at-starbucks/">next steps it’s taking to advance racial and social equity </a>as part of its ongoing journey to create a welcoming and inclusive Third Place.

In addition, the company announced the rollout of $1.5 million in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-awards-neighborhood-grants-to-advance-racial-equity/">Neighborhood Grants</a> from The Starbucks Foundation prioritizing grassroots and community-based nonprofit organizations focused on local impact. These grants aim to uplift organizations led by and that serve Black communities and will support more than 400 local nonprofit organizations across the country. The Foundation will also invest $5 million to launch a two-year initiative focused on supporting nonprofits that serve BIPOC youth.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-shares-update-on-standing-together-against-racial-injustice/">stands in solidarity against racial injustice</a> with Black partners, community and customers.

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$1M in grants to promote racial equity

The Starbucks Foundation commits $1 million in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-selects-more-than-400-non-profits-in-latest-round-of-neighborhood-grants/">Neighborhood Grants</a> to promote racial equity and create more inclusive and just communities. Nominated by Starbucks partners, and with input from civil rights leaders, these grants will support efforts in over 100 cities and towns across the United States.

Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/letter-to-partners-continuing-to-support-racial-justice-with-action/">recognizes Juneteenth</a>&nbsp;as an annual U.S. company holiday.

Starbucks marks the milestone of opening <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-expands-commitment-in-underserved-communities-across-the-us/">16 Community Stores in underserved neighborhoods</a> with the newest Community Store, in the historic Anacostia area of Washington, D.C. Since launching the initiative in 2015, Starbucks has opened Community Stores in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Dallas, and Ferguson, Mo., and has set a goal to open 100 Community Stores by 2025.

Courageous conversations

Starbucks launches an internal series of courageous conversations with thousands of partners and their families coming together virtually to join a talk about the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. These conversations will address difficult topics and help increase partners’ understanding of themselves and others.

Publishes civil rights assessment

Starbucks shares the&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/an-update-on-starbucks-civil-rights-assessment/">2019 assessment</a>&nbsp;on Civil Rights, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion conducted by Covington &amp; Burling LLP, under the leadership of the former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. The report, which reviews the company’s progress since the&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Covington-Report-to-Starbucks-Jan-23-2019.pdf">2018 report</a>, evaluates Starbucks ongoing efforts to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in support of the company’s Mission and Values.

Hires company’s first chief inclusion and diversity officer

Starbucks appoints Nzinga “Zing” Shaw to serve as the company’s first chief inclusion and diversity officer.

Equal pay for people of color

Starbucks shares its median pay gaps by gender and race in the United States. In the U.S., the median pay ratio is 100 percent for people of color. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/how-starbucks-is-addressing-the-pay-gap/">Here’s how Starbucks is working to address pay equity</a>.

$10M to Chicago neighborhoods

Starbucks announces&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/investing-in-chicago-how-10m-starbucks-loan-helps-underserved-areas/">it will invest $10 million</a>&nbsp;to support entrepreneurs, small business owners and nonprofits in Chicago. The loan will be distributed by a network of mission-based lenders called community development financial institutions, which work to revitalize struggling neighborhoods on the city’s south and west sides.

Free anti-bias curriculum

Starbucks launches its&nbsp;<a href="https://tobewelcoming.com/">“To Be Welcoming”</a>&nbsp;Curriculum, in partnership with Arizona State University. The free 15-course online curriculum addresses bias and encourages more meaningful conversations around our shared human experience.

‘The Story of Access’

The company shares publicly on its website Stanley Nelson’s film, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/the-story-of-access/">”The Story of Access,”</a> which explores the history of people of color in public places.

Zero-tolerance for discrimination

Starbucks publishes its principles on&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/starbucks-principles-for-upholding-the-third-place-for-our-partners-our-customers-and-our-communities/">upholding the third place</a>. This public statement describes the key principles and responsibilities of creating a welcoming space for all, including our zero-tolerance position on discrimination.

Closing stores for bias training

The company&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/closing-stores-opening-hearts-starbucks-partners-share-their-responses/">closes 8,000 stores</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. for company-wide implicit bias training and&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/curriculum-for-the-third-place-our-commitment-renewed/">makes the curriculum publicly available</a>.

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Starbucks announces its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/use-of-the-third-place-policy/">Use of the Third Place policy</a>, defining a customer as anyone who enters a Starbucks space regardless of whether they make a purchase.

Two African American men are arrested in a Starbucks Philadelphia store. Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive officer,&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-ceo-reprehensible-outcome-in-philadelphia-incident/">calls the outcome “reprehensible”</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;publicly apologizes, saying, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/a-follow-up-message-from-starbucks-ceo-in-philadelphia/">“This is not who we are.”</a>

Starbucks announces it has reached&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/starbucks-pay-equity-for-partners/">100 percent pay equity</a>&nbsp;across race and gender for U.S. partners performing similar work and sets a global goal.

Expands hiring of underserved youth

After reaching the initial goal of 10,000 hires by 2018, Starbucks expands its&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2017/starbucks-expands-hiring-goals/">Opportunity Youth commitment</a>&nbsp;to 100,000 &nbsp;hires.

Starbucks supports the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, with events in Oakland in July and Detroit in November focused on creating coalitions and hiring and creating pathways to opportunity for Black men.

Signs White House Fair Chance Business Pledge

Starbucks helps eliminate barriers for those with a criminal record by signing the Obama administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/11/fact-sheet-white-house-launches-fair-chance-business-pledge">White House Fair Chance Business Pledge</a>.

Opens first Community Store

Starbucks opens its&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/starbucks-opens-in-jamaica-queens/">first Community Store in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.</a>&nbsp;with a commitment to open at least 15 stores with the aim of creating new jobs, engaging local women and minority-owned vendors and suppliers and collaborating with local nonprofits to support training opportunities for youth in diverse, underserved U.S. communities.

Commitment to acting with courage

Starbucks updates <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-mission-and-values/">Our Mission and Values</a>, with focus on inclusion and action. It states, “With our partners, our coffee and our customers at our core, we live these values … Acting with courage, challenging the status quo and finding new ways to grow our company and each other.”

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/just-mercy-available-in-starbucks-stores/">Starbucks stores in the U.S. carry Bryan Stevenson’s book</a>, “Just Mercy”, donating 100 percent of the profits from the book sales to the Equal Justice Initiative.

Opportunity Fair &amp; Forum

Starbucks supports the launch of the first-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/chicago-opportunity-fair-and-forum/">Opportunity Fair &amp; Forum</a>&nbsp;in Chicago, and would go on to host events in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLWNknKdv8E">Phoenix</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEVNVejpzFU">Los Angeles</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdUu-ruwToY">Seattle</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZeDpGj0PkY">Dallas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES9NHs4I4Ro">Washington, D.C.&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLL7MaAlPtw">Atlanta</a>, resulting in more than 5,000 on-the-spot job offers. The event also marks the official launch of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/top-us-based-companies-launch-100k-opportunities-initiative/#:~:text=About%20the%20100%2C000%20Opportunities%20Initiative,to%20employment%20for%20young%20people.">100,000 Opportunities Initiative</a>, a coalition of Starbucks and leading companies committed to engaging 100,000 young people in jobs, internships and apprenticeships.

Milestones: Starbucks efforts to support racial equity and justice - Starbucks Stories

Milestones: Starbucks efforts to support racial equity and justice

From our earliest days, racial justice and equity have been at the core of our mission and values. Here’s a look at Starbucks commitment to creating a culture of belonging where everyone is welcome.

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Milestones: Starbucks efforts to support racial justice and equity

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/milestones-starbucks-efforts-to-support-racial-justice-and-equity/

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Racial Equity

Racial Equity - Starbucks Stories

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