Walmart Donates $5 Million to Help Build the National Museum of African American History and Culture

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Walmart has donated $5 million to the Smithsonian Institution to support the construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C.

Walmart's support of the NMAAHC is a part of the company's continued commitment to advance causes that promote diversity and inclusion. The NMAAHC was established in 2003 by Congress, making it the 19th Smithsonian Institution museum. It will be the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture.

"We know the rich history that will soon be on display at the museum is something important to preserve, study and experience," said Sharon Orlopp, global chief diversity officer at Walmart. "We share the Smithsonian Institution's passion to promote and honor diversity and the contributions that African Americans have made to our country and culture."

As a founding donor, Walmart is helping to facilitate the construction of the more than 300,000-square-foot museum. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 with a grand opening slated for the fall of 2015. Until then, NMAAHC is presenting touring exhibitions in major cities across the country and in its own gallery at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The museum will be built at a cost of $500 million on a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument on the National Mall.  

"We are grateful to Walmart for its commitment to help educate people – all people – to the unique role African Americans played in our nation's growth and history," said Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "Having Walmart join us early in the development of this museum helps bolster our fundraising efforts and ensures we can establish this historic resource for all Americans."

In addition to the company's commitment to the NMAAHC, in 2010 the Walmart Foundation gave more than $3 million to African-American focused organizations and institutions of higher learning.

About Walmart

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,700 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.