Legislation in Tennessee has directly attacked diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Well known organizations have issued statements retreating from their 2020 diversity goals. The results of the 2024 presidential election are unlikely to shield diversity initiatives from existential threats in Middle Tennessee. It all begs the question: What is the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nashville?

Legislation in Tennessee has directly attacked diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Well known organizations have issued statements retreating from their 2020 diversity goals. The results of the 2024 presidential election are unlikely to shield diversity initiatives from existential threats in Middle Tennessee. It all begs the question: What is the state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Nashville?

County Music has made strides in recent years to become more inclusive and highlight women and artists of color. How are these efforts impacting the experiences of Black women on stage, at venues and behind the scenes? What are the main barriers and how can Country Music better support Black women in their creative and professional journey?

Co-Sponsored by Academy of Country Music, BMI, and Culture Shift Team and hosted at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), this in person event will feature a reception at NMAAM and a special panel featuring Black women in the Country Music industry.

The 2020 Racial Reckoning is three years passed. The inevitable backlash that comes with accelerated social progress is going full steam. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts are being demonized, weaponized, and exploited for political gain. How do we navigate these rough waters? How do we ensure, despite these headwinds, we are positioning our organizations to grow and accomplish our missions? In an increasingly diverse talent and consumer market, what does it mean to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging?.
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Panelists:

• Alicia Braswell – Sr. Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, Asurion
• Ebonee Davis Ifeobu – VP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bridgestone Americas
• Julie Kratz – Speaker, Trainer and Author – Next Pivot Point
• Stacie Yee – Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Pillsbury Law.

As we celebrate Pride month, we find ourselves in the midst of unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. A period of sustained progress for queer acceptance has been followed by one in which the transgender community in particular is in the crosshairs of a politically motivated movement intended to herm and dehumanize our trans neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones.

How do allies push back on this movement from our positions of privilege in the workplace? How do we redouble our efforts to protect and embrace our transgender coworkers?

Part 2 of the Tennessee Diversity Consortium Summer Inclusion Series examines how we integrate mental health initiatives and neurological diversity into our DEI work. In the last five years, there has been a renewed emphasis on mental health and wellness as a driver of healthy, inclusive organizations. Separately, there has also been a greater appreciation and understanding of the role neurological diversity should play in how we think about employees’ strengths and weaknesses. This session will include experts on both employee mental health initiatives and neurological diversity, as well as perspectives from organizations that are implementing initiatives that elevate both of these topics within their workplace.

It is our first DEI Virtual Forum of 2022, where experts in racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality and women’s advocacy and equity share their front-line perspectives and where you as a DEI leader will have the opportunity to engage in this important conversation in small groups with your peers.

Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium for the second in a regular series of Virtual DEI forums offering TDC members the opportunity to:

• Network in small cohorts by industry or organization type
• Identify and share common challenges, obstacles and best practices around DEI
• Share resources and tools needed to accelerate DEI efforts
• Map out the near and long term future of DEI across similar organizations or industries

The TDC was formed as an informal network for DEI practitioners to share model practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The global pandemic has elevated the challenge of equity across a wide variety of organizations, industries and geographies. There is no better time for diversity practitioners and leaders tasked with driving DEI to build stronger networks and better equip one another to achieve our DEI missions.

Each June we celebrate Pride Month and the positive impact greater LGBTQ+ inclusion is having on the lives of our co-workers, neighbors, and family members. But what about the business side of LGBTQ+ inclusion? Specifically, how do LGBTQ+ employee resource groups in our workplaces help drive business outcomes? What does it mean to consistently “show up” for the LGBTQ+ community and how does it positively impact the mission and vision of your organization? Join the Tennessee Diversity Consortium as we convene an insightful panel, including Joe Woolley from the Nashville LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and two of our business partners, Nikki Gibson from Dell and Terry Vo from Comcast, to better navigate the business of LGTBQ+ inclusion.

Help the Tennessee Diversity Consortium and BMI celebrate Black Music Month, June 17th 11:30 – 1pm by joining us for a special virtual town hall, “Staying Alive in Crisis”. We’ll explore how African-Americans in the Nashville music community have traditionally been able to thrive during crises, the role Black music is playing in the current crisis, and what the fight for equity will look like for the next generation of black artists. “Staying Alive in Crisis” will feature live music and a dynamic group of panelists from the Nashville music community.

This webinar is sponsored by BMI.