Newell Brands was proud to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2022 through various initiatives that honor his remarkable legacy. For the second year, the Newell Brands Charitable Foundation donated to National Black Arts (NBAF), an organization whose mission is to expose, educate, engage and entertain audiences by presenting and supporting art and artists of African descent.

NBAF, was founded in Atlanta, where Dr. King was born, and Newell Brands is headquartered. The donation will support NBAF’s Youth Arts Education programs, Move/Dance! and NextGen Artist, in Atlanta Public Schools in underserved areas.

Additionally, BEACON, our incredible employee resource group (ERG) for Black employees and allies, led engaging and informative virtual discussions in January.

Newell employees were encouraged to tune in to “Be the Welcome: How your small acts of welcome can change our world,” where guest presenter Kitti Murray, founder of Refuge Coffee, shared how we all can be allies and build a culture of welcome wherever we go.

BEACON also arranged “Black Men Excel”, a fireside chat with Jay L. Johnson, a member of Newell Brands Board of Directors. Moderated by Rod Robinson, Newell’s VP of Service Network & Transportation, the enlightening discussion provided insight into Jay’s journey in corporate America. Sharing wisdom from both a personal and professional perspective, Jay provided participants with valuable takeaways.

Lastly, BEACON organized a session with personal trainer Jay Parham, owner of Fit-Tech Training, where he shared advice for kicking off the New Year. The conversation yielded tips on the importance of ‘focus’ and how it effects your mind, body and spirit through fitness.

Newell Brands is proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and continue fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging through our ERG programming, building community, and supporting organizations like NBAF.