When massive protests erupted nationwide last summer after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, the entertainment industry was initially slow to respond. Studios and major corporations responsible for creating content to entertain America kept their distance.

That inaction brought a stinging rebuke from CNN anchor Don Lemon. “What about Hollywood?” he asked on-air during the network’s coverage of the protests. “Strangely quiet … Have some moral courage and stop worrying about your reputation and your brand.”

Soon after Lemon delivered his reprimand, major entertainment companies sprung into action, issuing statements of solidarity with and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Companies pledged millions to support organizations dedicated to social justice. A number of internal programs and pipelines to promote diversity and inclusion were established or expanded. More transparency in dealing with issues revolving around race was promised.