New York Urban League Champions Equity at Inaugural Summit
Held on Jackie Robinson Day at Yankee Stadium
NEW YORK – The New York Urban League (NYUL) marked a significant milestone on Jackie Robinson Day by hosting its inaugural Equity Summit at Yankee Stadium, a testament to the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson's courage and commitment to breaking barriers. The landmark event brought together influential leaders and advocates to address pressing challenges and drive meaningful change for a more inclusive and equitable future.
For over a century, the NYUL has championed civil rights and worked tirelessly to advance equity for African Americans in New York City. This Summit built upon that powerful legacy, providing a critical platform for connection, collaboration, and action.
The day commenced with a welcome from Arva Rice, President & CEO of the New York Urban League, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions. A highlight was "The New York Yankees: Equity in Action" segment, underscoring the long-standing partnership between the NYUL and the New York Yankees. Malcolm Ellis, Head of Diverse Investments at Diageo and Board Chair of the New York Urban League, provided remarks, further emphasizing the collective commitment to equity.
A powerful keynote address was delivered by Janai Nelson, President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, who stressed the critical nature of the current landscape. She urged attendees to action, stating, "In moments when leadership is distorted, we have to look at ourselves to reshape..." and "At LDF we are doing everything we can to call companies and business leaders into the fight. Everyone in this room needs to be taking a role of active resistance."
The summit then transitioned into impactful "Protecting the Diversity Ecosystem Breakouts", featuring leading voices in diversity and inclusion: Cecilia Nelson-Hurt, Chief Inclusion Officer at Heidrick & Struggles; Adrianne Smith, SVP and Chief Equity and Impact Officer at Fleishman Hillard & Founder and President of Cannes Can: Diversity Collective; and Corey Smith, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at LVMH.
Adrianne Smith highlighted the concept of "shift happens" and the universal benefits of diversity, citing how "lowered curbs were created for wheelchairs but people with strollers and folks pushing carts benefit as well. Diversity benefits everyone." Cecilia Nelson-Hurt emphasized the crucial role of allies while Corey Smith reinforced the business imperative of diversity.
Following a midday lunch, the program honored a true trailblazer with the Legacy Champion Award Presentation to Heide Gardner, former Global Culture Officer at Interpublic Group. The afternoon continued with a "Protecting the Diversity Ecosystem Round-up Panel," moderated by Sandra Garcia of the New York Urban League, synthesizing the discussions from the breakout sessions.
The urgency of current challenges was brought to the forefront during "An Active Crisis: This is Not a Drill", a compelling panel moderated by Alphonso David, President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President at the National Hockey League; Heide Gardner, former Global Culture Officer at Interpublic Group; and Wendy Lewis, Interim CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta, Founder & CEO of AllySHIFT, and former Global Chief Diversity Officer at McDonald's and former Head of Diversity at MLB.
The Equity Summit concluded with a "Closing and Looking Ahead" session, outlining the path forward and reinforcing the New York Urban League's ongoing commitment to driving meaningful change.
The success of this inaugural Equity Summit on Jackie Robinson Day at Yankee Stadium underscores the vital importance of continued dialogue, collaboration, and action in the pursuit of a truly equitable society. The New York Urban League extends its gratitude to generous sponsors, including Benefactors Airbnb and Finn Partners, Rising Star Patrons GEICO, and Belonging Partners Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, IFG, and The Met.
The New York Urban League encourages individuals to consider donating to support the organization's ongoing mission, https://www.nyul.org/donate.
