Background: Historically, black-owned businesses have always been the target of inequitable government policies and racial mistreatment, like in the New York’s 1850’s Seneca Village and Tulsa Race Massacre. Currently, even though female black entrepreneurs are the fastest-growing group, they face the greatest barriers to accessing capital whether...
We knew that when Canopy started the 27 Days of Learning, there would be so much to learn from community leaders, activists, and experts. Here are our favorite quotes and learnings on how the business community can move forward on this anti-racist journey. Where are we...
The 4th of July is usually tied to the imagery of freedom, the great melting pot, and the American Dream. But historically, it was not a date in which all people were free (check out out our Juneteenth post for more info). To attain true...
When it comes to the implications of pollution and toxic waste, Renee Skelton says, “no one wants a factory, a landfill, or a diesel bus garage for a neighbor.” Where does it go? People who live, work, and play in America's most polluted environments are commonly...
You’re interested in having an impact outside your organization, but where do you start? Canopy defines external impact as the activities related to the business’s social or environmental mission that are tracked, measured, and supported with recommendations for improvement. External Impact demonstrates that you’re a business...
“The terms “empowerment” and “activism” are partner words. Empowerment in the business environment is a state of being in which a person has official authority to do something. Management empowers employees by sharing information, providing appropriate resources, giving opportunities, motivating and developing employee skills so...
Leaders doing the personal work of educating and combating racism is the first step to leading an anti-racist business, but it only marks the beginning. Companies must address systemic issues through explicit, objective, and continual policy reform in order to move the needle to true...
A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement is a description of your company’s commitment to celebrating diversity and protecting stakeholders as foundational to the way you conduct business. When talking about DEI, it is important to know their definitions, and how it can show up...