Independent record label 10K Projects is establishing 10K Together — a $500K fund to fight racial injustice.
The charitable organization will fight racist policies and help create career opportunities for black youth. 10K Projects <a” href=”https://www.10kprojects.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>says the $500,000 will be spent over the next five years and includes three components.
10K Together will start by supporting charities that fight racism and promote progressive policies. The organization’s first move is to donate $25,000 to the Color of Change — a racial justice organization. 10K Together will also work to establish an intern program at 10K Projects for black youth looking to get a start in the music industry.
Finally, 10K Together pledges to support Black-owned businesses across Los Angeles.
“We all have a responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world, but making a real difference is going to take a long-term commitment,” CEO Elliot Grainge says. “We encourage our colleagues in the independent community to join us in our long-term fight against racist policies and racial injustice in this country and to create opportunity within the community that has given us all so much.”
It’s worth noting that 10K Projects CEO Elliot Grainge is the son of Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge.
UMG established its own $25 million fund to help fight racial injustice just last week. 10K Together will be directed by an internal task force of 10K Projects employees. The group will meet regularly to discuss new initiative ideas and assess the current success of established programs. 10K Projects says it is matching donations made by its artists and employees.
The United States has erupted in protest for the second straight week at the recent racial violence. George Floyd’s killing by a Minneapolis police officer is the match that sparked change. The murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor lend power to the movement as #BlackLivesMatter protestors fight for racial justice.