In response to protests against anti-Black racism following the murder of George Floyd, we looked inward to identify what part we play in the problem and, potentially, in the efforts to solve it. As publishers, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black authors, but we know we need to do more to support the efforts for change they and other members of Black communities in Canada, as well as Indigenous and other marginalized communities, are leading. We created an anti-racism action and accountability plan to work toward a more diverse and truly inclusive company, industry, and society. As part of that plan, we made donations of $20,000 each to the Black Legal Action Centre, the Black Health Alliance, and the Nia Centre for the Arts, three Black-led organizations that work in the service of racial equity in their respective areas for members of Black communities in Toronto and nationwide. Beyond this crucial moment, we’re committed to providing ongoing support to organizations working in the area of anti-racism.
Commitments: Diversity & Inclusion
Volunteers hours
Dinner on the House
Dinner on the House is an annual employee volunteer experience designed to serve those who may need a helping hand during the holiday season. For the past twelve years, Penguin Random House volunteers have joined City Harvest at their Food Rescue Center to help repack food items into family-sized portions for distribution to New Yorkers in need.
Donating Books to Prisons
For the past several years, in celebration of Sant Jordi’s Day we have donated 10,000 books to prisons throughout Spain. These donations aim to help incarcerated individuals connect with others and to assist with their reintegration.
Literature and Anti-Racism Education
To commemorate the abolition of slavery in Brazil, Companhia das Letras developed programming for educators that focuses on literature and anti-racist education. We seek to present urgent, critical content schools and educational institutions need to confront systemic racism. As part of the programming, Black multimedia specialists produced all the videos for educators’ training.
Walking for a Cause
The Global Walk is an annual, company-wide fundraising event held in New York City, which supports local nonprofit organizations that align with our commitment to social responsibility and giving back to communities in need. Past fundraising recipients include The Legal Aid Society, Project HOPE, Girls Write Now, i, Too, Arts Collective, and Barbershop Books, among others. Over the past five years, employees have raised more than $240,000 for our beneficiaries.
Sant Jordi Volunteer Event for Mothers and Children
In 2019, for our annual Sant Jordi volunteering occasion, we hosted events with mothers and children who are at risk of exclusion in Barcelona. The event included a talk for the mothers and a fun activity with the children, who were able to dress up as dragons.!
$100,000 donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
#SpeakUp Campaign
To highlight the pertinent issues faced by women around the globe, which were heightened due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns, we organized a series of conversations with stellar Penguin authors, hosted by journalist Pragya Tiwari. The spectacular panel of authors puts the spotlight on topical and relevant themes, which aim to support women by way of empowering them with information, building awareness in the community, and opening doors to more such pathbreaking conversations. In conversation with Tiwari over five distinct episodes, our authors addressed wide-ranging concerns. Sohaila Abdulali and Samra Zafar addressed the issue of domestic violence and sexual abuse, while Kavita Krishnan discussed the idea of women’s safety and personal freedom. Economic journalist Puja Mehra talked about the economy and finance in the context of the current global environment, and Shiromi Pinto spoke on why women artists and architects are often forgotten. To learn more, click here and here.