Nationwide rallies for unity, pledges $1M to social justice causes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — One of Central Ohio’s signature companies, Nationwide Insurance, pledged $1 million to social justice causes, and hosted hundreds of its employees at what it called a unity rally in which the company declared “Black Lives Matter.”

Speakers recited the names of those who have been killed in racial violence or at the hands of police, including George Floyd and a number of local victims, like Henry Green and Tyre King. The group also partook in a moment of silence.

Michael Coleman, former mayor of Columbus addressed the crowd, pointing out that social justice needs to be reflected in corporations, and that corporate boards need to resemble their communities.

“It manifests itself in corporate America as to who’s on your board and who sits on your board representing the point of view of African-Americans in this country,” Coleman said.

“Corporate America needs to step up,” he said afterward.

Nationwide’s CEO Kirt Walker announced a $1 million pledge to social justice issues.

“There are people hurting like never before, in specific areas, we intend to do the right thing,” he said. “It’s always the right time to do the right thing.”