Silence and inaction aren’t an option, especially in challenging times like this. Desmond Tutu said it far better than I could: "If you are neutral in times of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."
America's Test Kitchen stands in solidarity with those protesting the systemic racism that is weakening our society and killing our innocent brothers and sisters. Black Lives Matter. We may be in the business of developing recipes, reviewing kitchen equipment, and producing cookbooks, but we do so in the hopes that it brings people, all people, together in the kitchen and around the table.
We've taken time to pause, reflect, listen, and look inward. We know we can do a lot more to practice antiracism at America's Test Kitchen. Here’s where we’re starting.
- We set a goal to increase BIPOC representation within our organization by 50 percent in the next 18 months.
- Our entire staff will be taking mandatory diversity and inclusion training.
- We are expanding the efforts of our internal Diversity Council to increase recruitment and retention of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) at America’s Test Kitchen. We commit to supporting, advocating for, and amplifying the voices and work of BIPOC content creators. This Council is headed by America's Test Kitchen cast member and food stylist Elle Simone, who was promoted last fall to a newly created position: Executive Editor & Inclusion Leader, which allows her to dedicate time and resources to building a culture of inclusion at the company.
- We have instituted a company donation match program to support three organizations: Black Farmer Fund, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and FoodLab Detroit. Each of these organizations is doing important work fighting systemic racism and two focus on using food as the catalyst for change.
We recognize we have much more to do. Your feedback and direction has always been integral to our company, and for that, we remain grateful. We will show you our commitment to do better through action.
David Nussbaum
Chief Executive Officer