Celebrating MLK Day Through Reflection, Recommitment and Volunteerism
January 18, 2021 /3BL Media/ - Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo are proud to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose contributions and enduring legacy continue to inspire us. While we are unable to physically come together in service for Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year, we continue to pay respect to the life of the inimitable Dr. King, learn from his vision, and stand firm knowing there is still much work to be done.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and a historic year in the pursuit of racial and social justice in the United States, Comcast NBCUniversal remains fully committed to serving our communities, charting progress, and generating impact on the vital issues that Dr. King championed. For instance, to support small businesses owned by people of color and impacted by COVID-19, we launched Comcast RISE to uplift those who are shaping our local communities each and every day.
We are also excited to create more opportunities in media through our recently announced NBCU Academy, a $6 million partnership with 12 universities and five community colleges to invest in the future of journalism. These 17 schools are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and colleges with significant Latino, Asian, Black, Indigenous and Tribal populations. To learn more about our grants dedicated to class funding, student aid and equipment, click here.
We also recognize the tremendous impact that COVID-19 has had on nearly every aspect of our daily lives. The need for digital equity is more important than ever, and we are focused on ensuring that everyone, from students to small business owners, is able to navigate the ongoing pandemic. We’re keeping customers connected by keeping the internet accessible and reliable, offering 60 days of free Internet service through Internet Essentials for eligible customers in low-income households, partnering with non-profit and city leaders to create 1000+ LIFT Zones for distance learning, and much more. Learn more about the vast array of ways we’re responding to COVID-19 here.
For years, we’ve honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with service, and this year will be no different. Although COVID-19 has brought its fair share of challenges, it has also inspired us to get creative in bringing our employee network together in the name of making an impact. This year, we’re partnering with Mural Arts Philadelphia and City Year New York to paint and install murals focused on uplifting Black women by celebrating their achievements, contributions, and leadership. Close to 200 employees across Comcast NBCUniversal, Telemundo and Spectra will be mailed different sections of the murals to paint and send back for compilation and installment, which will extend into February and our Company’s annual celebration of Black History Month. We’re looking forward to bringing our network together – while apart – during this unique time.
Finally, this is a time to learn, listen, and reflect on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Our Xfinity and Peacock teams have curated and produced first person civil rights stories, TV shows, films and acclaimed documentaries that not only talk about MLK’s life and legacy, but also continue the conversation about social injustice and systemic racism in our country. Customers can watch “Hope and Fury: MLK, The Movement and The Media" for free on Xfinity On Demand by saying “Hope & Fury'' into their X1 Voice Remote or saying “Black Film & TV” to access other available content. And anyone is able to access our Voices of the Civil Rights Movement, which presents more than 16 hours of firsthand accounts, historical moments, and stories that honor the legacy and impact of America’s civil rights movement and those who led it.
In Dr. King’s “Where Do We Go From Here?” address, he encouraged his audience to “walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.” As we continue to navigate this unprecedented time, we are emboldened by the opportunity present in his words and look forward to fulfilling this charge for our communities and beyond.
