Letter from Diversity Leadership Circle Chair, Bernice Anthony

The last two months have marked worldwide celebrations of huge magnitude that directly corelate with Diversity Leadership Circle’s goal of bringing together advocates of diversity from all backgrounds, cultures, thought processes and beliefs. February celebrated Black History Month, focusing on achievements by African Americans and recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. We have much to celebrate, such as DLC founders Bill Mays and Fay H. Williams. Together, they established Minority Key Club in 1985, the first African American giving circle for United Way in the nation. Their leadership and initiative has created the cornerstone for United Way’s lasting commitment to inclusiveness and diversity when it comes to tapping the talents, leadership and resources of the whole community. March brings forth a focus on women with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day – a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. I encourage you to read the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes as part of celebrating these past two months; as over half of the Heroes are women and over a third are minority group members. I’m honored to be a part of a group that is dedicated to furthering diversity in our community. We are excited about our new partnership with Diversity Roundtable of Central Indiana (DRTCI) and look forward to co-hosting their membership meetings at United Way each month. Thank you for joining me in the fight for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of everyone in our community. By combining those of diverse backgrounds, we’re able to provide new solutions to old problems in our community, such as extreme poverty, mental health, unstable families and homelessness. It’s an exciting time to be a DLC member and United Way advocate. I’m honored to share this journey with you and look forward to what is to come. Bernice AnthonyDiversity Leadership Circle Chair