This week, a troubling reminder of the intersection of power, politics, and technology resurfaced. A report detailing how Facebook (now Meta) donated $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee is making waves. For many Black Americans, this revelation feels like another confirmation of how corporate America plays both sides, often at our expense.
Meta, the parent company of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, is a giant in our daily lives. From community organizing to entrepreneurship, we’ve leveraged these platforms to amplify Black voices and drive change. But when companies like Meta contribute to a president whose administration was marked by policies that disproportionately harmed Black communities, we must ask ourselves: Where do their loyalties really lie?
The Weight of Corporate Contributions
Meta’s donation to Trump’s inaugural committee wasn’t an isolated event; it’s part of a larger pattern of corporate contributions to politicians and parties that often work against the interests of marginalized communities. Trump’s administration was notorious for policies that gutted civil rights protections, emboldened white supremacist rhetoric, and attacked voting rights—issues that hit Black Americans the hardest.
When companies like Meta fund such leaders, they aren’t just making a political statement—they’re aligning themselves with those policies. It’s a stark contradiction to the public image Meta tries to cultivate as a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Meta’s Role in Black America
Meta’s platforms are essential tools for us. Black creators, activists, and entrepreneurs have built communities, grown businesses, and organized movements through Facebook and Instagram. Think about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, which gained global traction partly due to social media’s reach.
But there’s a bitter irony here. While we’re building on these platforms, the company behind them is financially supporting systems and leaders that often undermine the progress we’re fighting for. It’s a painful reminder of the duality we face: dependence on these tools while navigating the systemic challenges they enable.
What Can We Do?
1. Demand Accountability: As users, we have power. Meta needs to hear from us—loudly. Call for transparency in their political contributions and demand they align with the values they publicly espouse.
2. Diversify Platforms: While Meta is dominant, other platforms exist. Investing in alternatives, especially those created by Black entrepreneurs, can reduce our reliance on companies with questionable ethics.
3. Support Policies for Transparency: Advocate for laws requiring full disclosure of corporate political contributions. Companies should be held accountable for where their money goes.
A Wake-Up Call
This story isn’t just about Meta or Trump; it’s about the broader systems that prioritize profit over people. For Black Americans, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant, informed, and unified. The tools we use and the companies we support must align with our fight for justice, equity, and progress.
Meta’s actions are a wake-up call, but they don’t define our power. Our communities have always thrived through resilience, innovation, and collective action—and this moment is no different. Let’s continue to hold corporations accountable while building spaces that truly serve us.