“Black men and our community have been suffering far too long from the negative portrayals that have been built into our society, which is why we are honored to partner with the NBPA to help drive transformative change and amplify the voices and work of the players. Since its inception, Dove Men+Care has always been committed to challenging the status quo and shattering stereotypes about what it means to be a man. We all have a responsibility to advocate for racial equity, including challenging the misrepresentation of Black men to help save lives. This partnership will help us work towards a brighter and more just future,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Operating Officer, Unilever N.A. Beauty and Personal Care.

The NBPA – a brotherhood of 450 players who have led the way in speaking out against racism and social injustice – continues to amplify ways in which athletes use their influence to advocate for change and stand for equality. Dove Men+Care is dedicating resources and joining the athletes to help advocate for racial equity, take action with them in their communities and encourage fans to do the same.

“Our partnership with Dove Men+Care is groundbreaking because it emphasizes the humanity of our players and calls on the world to see them as men – not just as athletes. We are eager and committed to systemic change that will make the world more equitable for them and for all Black men,” said Payne Brown, President of THINK450, the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA.

As part of the Commit to “Care About Racial Equity” Now Initiative, Dove Men+Care and the NBPA will partner together on:

PUBLIC SAFETY

Dove Men+Care and the NBPA will focus on advocating for public safety in all communities. They will support efforts to get fans and consumers to sign a new petition to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (H.R. 7120). This legislation will serve to end racial profiling and change culture to build trust between law enforcement and local communities.

ACCESS TO SAFE & FAIR VOTING

Dove Men+Care will also team up with athletes to drive safe and fair voting with the work the brand is doing with Why I’m Voting and iHeartMedia. Together, we will host multiple grassroots efforts to drive registration and educate consumers on the ways to cast their votes safely in the upcoming election, starting with weekend registration activities leading up to National Voter Registration Day on September 22, 2020.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In partnership with their local community organizations, Dove Men+Care will support athletes in their community building efforts and help them in expanding the impact of their initiatives.

ACCURATE PORTRAYALS IN MEDIA

Systemic change requires long-term plans to eliminate the harmful ways that Black men and athletes are portrayed. Dove Men+Care has been committed to shattering stereotypes about what it means to be a man and is devoted to building an equitable and just world that cares about Black men and shows how they care. When media representation perpetuates negative stereotypes that fuel racial injustice, the lives of Black men are at risk. Black Americans are far more likely than any other racial group to feel they are misunderstood by the media industry¹, which is why before the end of the year, Dove Men+Care will unveil an initiative dedicated to changing the way the media industry portrays Black men, and therefore the narrative of Black men and boys.

For more information on how to get involved, visit CommitToCareNOW.com to take the pledge to Commit to Care About Black Men AND Care About Racial Equity and to sign the petition demanding the U.S. Senate pass H.R. 7120.