In response to the murder of George Floyd and the deeply ingrained systemic racism in our country, the Pohlad Family announced today that it is committing $25 million to racial justice, bringing to bear resources of the Pohlad Family Foundation, Pohlad family members, and Pohlad Companies in a two-phased, community-based approach.

"Black people have experienced oppression and racism for far too long in this country," said Bill Pohlad, president of the Pohlad Family Foundation. "We condemn racism in all its forms, and we are firmly committed to helping to enact meaningful change. We know this will take time and effort, and we are committed to this work beyond this seminal moment in our country's history."

In the short term, the Pohlads are focused on providing immediate relief and rebuilding organizations in impacted communities. In addition to encouraging employee volunteerism and matching employee donations across Pohlad Companies, the Pohlad Family Foundation will support grassroots organizations doing this important work. The Pohlad organization also plans to work with local government, philanthropic organizations and the business community to help rebuild businesses that have been destroyed, with the goal of ensuring the continued cultural diversity and affordability of the local areas.

Over the long term, the Pohlad family will focus on impacting structural change through the Foundation. They will partner with other equally committed organizations to help change the systems that create racial inequities and marginalize people of color.

The commitment of $25 million is in addition to the ongoing work of the Pohlad Family Foundation in the areas of homelessness and housing stability. 

"As we undertake these additional efforts in racial justice, we will take the time to listen and learn from the community first. We believe that people are experts in their own lives, and to make lasting change, we must learn from their lived experience," said Susan Bass Roberts, vice president and executive director, Pohlad Family Foundation. "Our goal is to work in community to identify and support solutions that reflect the input of those closest to the issue and address their greatest needs."

"While we are determined to help affect change in our community, we also know that any real change must start from within," added Pohlad. "And so, we acknowledge that we have our own work to do and are working to strengthen diversity and inclusion in our organization."