At the 2024 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Convention, General Motors (GM) made a strong statement about its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As a sponsor of the convention since 2022, GM continues to deepen its involvement, underscoring its dedication to supporting Black journalists and the broader Black community.
Why GM Participates in NABJ
GM’s presence at NABJ is part of a broader strategy to engage with Black storytellers and future leaders within the Black community. The company sees this as a critical opportunity to expand its reach and connect with diverse audiences. In a conversation with GM representatives, it was emphasized that their participation in NABJ is not merely a corporate obligation but a genuine commitment to fostering relationships within the Black cultural space.
This year, GM hosted a panel discussion titled “Closing the Black Talent Gap in Tech,” a topic that highlights a significant issue within the industry. Black professionals make up 12% of the U.S. workforce, but only 8% are in tech jobs. The potential economic loss for Black households is substantial, with estimates suggesting they could miss out on over $350 billion in tech job wages by 2030. GM’s representatives noted that the company is committed to addressing these disparities, striving to become the most inclusive company in the world by increasing Black representation in tech and closing equity gaps.
In addition to the panel, GM hosted its second annual HBCU reception at the convention. This event provided a networking space for HBCU students, alumni, allies, and friends to celebrate Black culture and connect with industry professionals. GM’s ongoing support for HBCUs is a testament to its long-term investment in developing Black talent.
GM’s Commitment to HBCUs
GM’s relationship with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has been a cornerstone of its diversity initiatives. The company’s representatives highlighted the eighth year of the Discover the Unexpected Fellowship Program, a partnership with Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). This program offers 10 HBCU students internships that help them develop skills and serve as change agents in their communities.
Furthermore, GM has collaborated with the Black Automotive Media Group to create “The Driving Force,” a 10-week virtual field-credit internship program now in its fourth year. The program, which includes mentoring sessions, writing classes, video production, and media courses, prepares 15 students for leadership roles in the auto industry.
GM’s representatives also discussed the company’s strong ties with institutions such as North Carolina A&T and Howard University, particularly in STEM education. The partnership with Advancing Minorities Interests in Engineering (AMIE) further exemplifies GM’s commitment to fostering a pipeline of diverse talent from HBCUs.
In recent years, GM has expanded its recruitment efforts at HBCUs, including new partnerships with Morgan State and Tuskegee University. The company’s direct engagement with organizations like the Black Engineer of the Year Awards, National Society of Black Engineers, and Women of Color in STEM has been instrumental in identifying both interns and permanent hires. GM’s strategic recruiting tools and workforce strategies are designed to build a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline.
The company’s collaboration with The Juneteenth Foundation (TJF) was also highlighted, with GM awarding scholarships to 19 HBCU students in 2023 and 2024 to commemorate Juneteenth. This partnership further demonstrates GM’s dedication to supporting Black education and empowerment.
GM’s Broader DEI Strategy
In 2024, GM launched a new DEI strategy that realigns its efforts to drive long-term business success while addressing current equity and inclusion challenges. The strategy focuses on three key areas: People, Business, and Society.
People: GM aims to build a high-performing culture that fosters an inclusive work environment. The company believes that its diverse workforce is the foundation of its success, and it is committed to leadership, talent equity, and creating an enriching employee experience.
Business: GM sees diversity, equity, and inclusion as vital to fostering innovation. By valuing and leveraging unique perspectives, the company influences its business footprint through inclusive and accessible products, a remarkable customer experience, and a diverse business ecosystem. GM’s representatives noted their goal to increase market share among underrepresented groups through inclusive product design, diversity marketing, and supplier diversity.
Society: GM’s business transformation is intended to reflect the experiences of global communities from all backgrounds. The company is working to transform the future of transportation, demonstrating that technology and innovation, when driven by purpose, can have a profound impact on the world.
Through its participation in #NABJ24, GM continues to build on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company’s efforts to support Black journalists, foster HBCU talent, and implement a robust DEI strategy are key components of its vision for a more inclusive and equitable future.