Wal-Mart’s C-Notes Only Buy Them C’s
Posted on July 13, 2005 by webteam
Despite Wal-Mart’s ongoing efforts to buy support through corporate sponsorship of African American organizations and events, Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott’s words of support for the Voting Rights Act, or the company’s targeted advertising and PR blitzes, the reality of the company’s business practices can’t be hidden. Moreover, such efforts are offset by ongoing allegations of racial discrimination. As Wal-Mart continues to learn, good press cannot always be bought.
As NAACP members gather in Milwaukee for their annual meeting, the civil rights organization released its 2005 Economic Reciprocity Initiative industry report card. Wal-Mart scored a C in general merchandising and a C- on philanthropic giving to African American organizations and programs.
The NAACP says the goal of its report card is to “ensure a more enlightened customer base.” They also note that there was just “one African American serving on boards of directors” in just over half of the companies surveyed.
Click here to read the 2005 NAACP Industry Report Card
Click here to read, “Customers sue Wal-Mart over alleged bias” (Boston Globe)
