We have each been tested, personally and professionally, over the course of 2020; from a global pandemic to fighting for racial justice, we have also seen the true power of community. Our commitment to solidarity with one another has encouraged the expression of important perspectives and helped to create frameworks that allow for new contributions to be brought forth from across our practice at Banfield. Together, we have the incredible opportunity to make a greater impact. As we continue to foster a culture that celebrates Banfield’s diversity of thought and experiences, our associates remain a steadfast reminder of what’s possible through an authentic dedication towards equity, inclusion, and diversity.

On Monday of this week, we hosted our first practice-wide Equity, Inclusion & Diversity Week. Aligned in the spirit of our new Banfield branding, this “binclusive week” programming included virtual panels, associate storytelling, open forums, and educational resources to help everyone in our Banfield family bhere, bheard, and bempowered. Cultivated and driven by our associates, this week has helped us to expand, evaluate, and reinforce the important work we are doing. 

Last month, I outlined the three immediate actions Banfield is expediting to achieve our long-term goals: increasing diversity in our talent and leadership pipeline; investing in and partnering with organizations that fight for racial equality; as well as expanding our robust training and educational resources. While these are all tangible and streamlined actions, this week’s binclusive programming is a recurring, monthly commitment to our goals. We commit to maintaining a constant, evolving dialogue concerning the topics discussed over the course of this past week.

Under the direction of our dedicated associates, six Diversity Resource Groups, and community leaders, we continue to build an environment of belonging. To be allies we must be committed to standing against injustice, educating ourselves and those around us, engaging empathically with our community members, and initiating necessary changes through –– oftentimes difficult –– conversations. Allyship and activism are a choice, a decision we must commit to each day. I look forward to more conversations, more action, and an overall momentum towards a just and equitable future for all.

In closing, I want to highlight the words of an exemplary associate — Christian Thompson — who provided a poem to our Banfield family at the closing of June’s PRIDE month. His powerful words are a perfect example of how we can all relate and work together to be the change that humanity desperately needs. 

What Is Pride, Anyway?

“Pride is all the things that you think it is not.

Pride is all the things that you’ve always been taught.

Pride is what you want it to be.

Pride is you going above the grain- living in a sea of hatred, racism and things that you don’t believe.

Pride is standing above those things.

Pride is climbing the mountain, atop the highest hills.

Pride is standing in front of the things that give you chills.

Pride is all of these things to me.

Pride is more than just a word or something to be seen.

Pride is your experience, it is the things that you do, it is the person that you are and what you’ve been through.

Pride is and always shall be. 

Pride is more than just a word to me.

Pride is my joy, it brings me life. I stand before you talking about what pride is on this night.

Pride is your experience, as I have said, so live your life to the truest you can.

Pride is whatever you show, take those differences and let them help you grow.

Pride is this whole journey in life.

Pride goes above whether you’re black or you’re white.

Pride is bigger than race, it is bigger than woman or man, it is bigger than anything that can stand before you in your two hands.

And I ask that if you want to take your pride, you’re gonna live a life that you decide. 

Because, Pride is who you are, it is you, and always will be. 

Pride is the joy that you see and what you shall see. 

Pride is all of these things to me and I experience them the same as you do.

But I believe that if you stand for your pride and exist in this life, everyone else will honor the values that you set forth being the one that you are.

Pride is to me what it is to you, and I hope you take that home, and spread it. 

Please do.” 

Christian Thompson, Practice Manager, Team Banfield Blakeney