Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Comcast NBCUniversal Introduces ‘We Belong,’ A Multimillion Dollar Initiative in Support of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
New York, NY
During Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Comcast NBCUniversal will celebrate the extensive and often unrecognized contributions that the AAPI community has made to American history, culture and everyday life with a cross-portfolio campaign that spotlights how the community is woven into the fabric of this country with the central theme: “We Belong.”
Comcast NBCUniversal has committed over $10 million of media support to air the campaign across its national and local TV outlets, as well as its digital platforms, showcasing the AAPI community’s influence across every aspect of our society and bringing to light to not only the racism the community is currently experiencing, but also to the long history of exclusion and discrimination it has received throughout American history.
“The recent increase in anti-Asian violence – and the seemingly endless acts of social injustice that we continue to see against so many of our communities – have been difficult to witness,” said Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for NBCUniversal. “It’s not only our responsibility to report on these stories, but also to celebrate the AAPI leaders and changemakers who are doing great work every day.”
Starting today, networks across the NBCUniversal portfolio will participate in an on-air roadblock in the 8 p.m. ET hour. The “We Belong” Anthem spot (:60 and :30 versions) will serve as the official launch of NBCU’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration. Additionally, social media handles across the portfolio will participate in a roadblock at 12 p.m. ET, flooding consumer feeds with the “We Belong” Anthem spot and hashtag #AAPIxNBCU. Additional creative will be released throughout the month of May on-air and on social platforms.
Comcast NBCUniversal has also committed $2 million in direct support and resources to Asian-led and Asian-focused social justice and nonprofit organizations working to address violence against the AAPI community. These grants will help fund educational outreach and advocacy efforts to deescalate hate crimes and are in addition to the nearly $10 million in existing commitments this year to AAPI organizations through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and social impact programs. Select grant recipients include:
The recent increase in anti-Asian violence – and the seemingly endless acts of social injustice that we continue to see against so many of our communities – have been difficult to witness.
“For nearly 30 years, Advancing Justice – AAJC has been advocating for an America in which everyone can benefit equally from, and contribute to, the American dream,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC. “Comcast NBCUniversal’s support for our organization comes at a critical time. It will enable us to continue to speak out against the wave of senseless crimes and hate being perpetrated against members of the AAPI community and call for social justice and civility as we all grapple with the effects of the coronavirus. Now is a time for unity and we will get through this together and create a better future and a better nation for us all.”
In addition, Comcast NBCUniversal will leverage its internal and external platforms to honor Asian culture throughout May. Among the many offerings focused on celebrating the Asian community, X1, Stream and Flex will elevate AAPI stories in collaboration with well-known and respected community organization Gold House, Comcast Newsmakers will release eight new interview segments, including a special panel discussion titled: “Equality, Identity & Hope: The Asian American Experience,” and women’s empowerment platform Know Your Value will highlight Asian community members and business leaders. Asian influencers, tastemakers and entrepreneurs will be featured across the company’s owned digital channels and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) will connect with one another and convene virtual sessions related to celebrating Asian Pacific American heritage.
In June 2020 Comcast NBCUniversal accelerated the company’s longstanding commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with a $100 million commitment over three years to help drive lasting reform and champion a more connected, equitable and just world. For more information on our commitment, visit Our Impact page.