{"id":5569,"date":"2022-02-09T14:45:40","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T19:45:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/?p=5569"},"modified":"2023-12-11T17:07:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T22:07:51","slug":"the-making-of-who-we-are","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/the-making-of-who-we-are\/","title":{"rendered":"The Making of &#8220;Who We Are&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><button id=\"listenButton1\" class=\"responsivevoice-button\" type=\"button\" value=\"Play\" title=\"ResponsiveVoice Tap to Start\/Stop Speech\"><span>&#128266; Listen to this article<\/span><\/button>\n        <script>\n            listenButton1.onclick = function(){\n                if(responsiveVoice.isPlaying()){\n                    responsiveVoice.cancel();\n                }else{\n                    responsiveVoice.speak(\"The thirst for videos that both entertain and enlighten creates an opportunity for global social change. As content creators, marketers, and storytellers, it is critical that we understand the power of video to educate and empower people. And put that power to good use by telling diverse stories that communicate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I recently transitioned from Director of Video Production and Professional Development at Walk West (a multi-award-winning digital marketing agency) to Senior Consultant at The Diversity Movement. My former job as an executive producer was to create content that fed curiosity and left the viewer feeling fulfilled. During my time at Walk West, I had the honor to produce a music video titled \u201cWho We Are\u201d for The Diversity Movement. In creating it, we were seeking to make more than just a video but an anthem for the TDM mission. My goal was to make it beautiful, engaging, educational, catchy, and clickable. Click on the image below to view the video. After you\u2019ve watched, I\u2019ll take you on the journey of how it came to be. The Artist: Autumn Nicholas The first time I met singer\/songwriter Autumn Nicholas, I knew I wanted to work with her. We met when she was performing at the 2020 Band Together concert aimed at ending racism. The event had a lofty goal, but we were all in. Autumn and I talked about her songwriting, and I learned that most of her music was focused on making the world a better place. I listened as she belted out soulful, rhythmic tunes filled with lyrics about diversity and equality.\u00a0 A few months later, The Diversity Movement CEO, Donald Thompson, and I were brainstorming about a future TDM video. In Donald fashion, he said he fully trusted me to come up with something amazing. No pressure, right? I was a bit nervous but also excited because I knew that this was the perfect project for a collaboration with Autumn. She would sing the TDM anthem. I immediately reached out to Autumn, and she was ready to work. It was a pleasure collaborating with such a gifted songwriter, vocalist, and advocate about the meaning of what would become \u201cWho We Are.\u201d Autumn met The Diversity Movement team during a Zoom call, as everyone shared their vision for the song. They talked about what diversity meant to them and why they are passionate about the organization\u2019s mission.\u00a0 Autumn then put her talents on paper, and gave the team a chance to contribute to her process. I\u2019ve written many stories during my 20+ years as a news reporter and anchor and the last 7 years as an executive producer; but writing song lyrics was a new, rewarding experience. I contributed one line: \u201cSo much more than our backgrounds, deeper than a hue or a pronoun.\u201d I was honored that Autumn and the team also loved the line, and it made the final cut. After several revisions, it was time to get in the studio so Autumn could lay down the tracks. And, as expected, she blew us all away. Each of us tells a unique story about why diversity matters. Our world is amazing because it is filled with incredible people from all walks of life. Communicating that message is the purpose of this video.\u00a0 Now, I would like to introduce you to the incredible people who are featured throughout it. You\\'ll learn why they were chosen and how their participation in the project made this video even more special.\u00a0 Diversity is Beautiful - It\\'s Who We Are The video opens with a shot of Desmond Jackson, a track and field athlete who was training for the Paralympics at the time. He\u2019s one of the fastest above-knee amputees in the country. He is the epitome of drive and determination. Far too often, people with physical challenges are told that there are limits to what they can achieve. Desmond defies those beliefs.\u00a0 321 Coffee is a coffee shop and roastery located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company focuses on workplace inclusion and is staffed primarily by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2021, they were voted \u201cBest Coffee Shop in the NC Triangle.\u201d Across all age groups, people with disabilities are more than three times more likely to be unemployed or underemployed compared to people without disabilities. 321 Coffee is on a mission to change that.\u00a0 Joe and Jennifer DeNoia have been married for more than two decades and have three beautiful daughters. While approximately 15% of new marriages are interracial and our society is becoming more accepting of interracial relationships, couples like Joe and Jennifer still face prejudice and discrimination. We wanted to showcase the beauty and endurance of their story. Joe and Jennifer\u2019s love has survived\u2013and thrived\u2013despite ignorance and a lack of understanding from those they know and those they don\u2019t know. It\u2019s no secret that one of the communities that has had to fight the hardest for equality and inclusion is the LGBTQ+ community. A segment of our society is just now getting to a place where they view the above photo as a healthy and complete family, and we still have a long way to go.\u00a0 Most of this video was filmed in Raleigh, NC. However, this was one piece of stock footage that I fell in love with. It features two men, who are also in an interracial relationship, with their two children. For me, this image embodies happiness and hope. This footage shows the joy of love. Diversity spans well beyond race, religion, nationality, and other outward characteristics. It\u2019s our different experiences and perspectives that truly make us special \u2013 an idea sometimes referred to as acquired, or experiential, diversity.\u00a0 Our military servicepeople sacrifice their lives and their freedom for our country, everyday. Many come away with experiences and challenges that civilians cannot possibly understand. A full 7% of the American population are veterans, and with that in mind, we wanted to show a glimpse into the range of experiences that veterans, servicepeople, and their families experience. The video shows Patrice Andrews being sworn in as Police Chief of Morrisville, North Carolina, a small town outside of Raleigh. It is invaluable for communities to see themselves represented in the police department. As a Black woman, Chief Andrews uses her platform to improve relations between police officers and the community and to create spaces for courageous conversations about race, gender, diversity, and equity.\u00a0 I wanted to show a woman of color in a police uniform as this image sends a powerful message about how you can use your position to uplift your community and those around you.\u00a0 On a side note, Chief Andrews was recently appointed as the new police chief of Durham, NC. Congratulations to her! We filmed this gentleman praying in the park just before sunset. His words and movements were so beautifully ritualistic. Unfortunately, many are quick to judge those who practice the Muslim faith, especially if they do so in public spaces like this park. I felt it was especially important to showcase diversity of faith because of how divisive it can be. This kind man may be judged based on his religion, not because of his own words or actions, but due to the extremist actions of other people. He wanted to be featured in the video in the hope that viewers will understand that diversity also means that one person in a faith does not determine the intentions of all. One of The Diversity Movement\u2019s first strategic partners, John Samuel, is a Raleigh icon. We could not produce a video on diversity without highlighting him and his family. In 2020, John founded Ablr, a company with the sole purpose of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Ablr is a digital accessibility and inclusion agency that helps ensure a company\u2019s digital content is 100% accessible.\u00a0 John started losing his vision when he was in college. I featured him because of his enduring determination and subsequent accomplishments. An Indian-American man who is blind, John has used his leadership and technological talents to improve the lives of others. We also couldn\u2019t resist including his supportive wife and their two adorable sons. Meet King Nobuyoshi Godwin. King was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2. At 13, he discovered his love of art. On his website, King says, \\\"My name is Nobuyoshi Godwin. I have autism. Being autistic is ok. I can see trees in my mind and talk with them. It\\'s blue and it\\'s ok.\u201d King\u2019s artwork is featured in some of the most prominent buildings around the state of North Carolina.\u00a0 Let me just say, this young man is incredible! Differences in the way we perceive the world and express ourselves are an important part of diversity that is often overlooked. I was overjoyed that he was willing to be a part of the video, along with his mother who is his biggest fan. Teri is a single mom of two adopted children of different national origins. Her family\u2019s appearance only grazes the surface of who they are as a family and who she is as a mother. But by including them, I hoped to showcase a mom who is juggling the challenges of modern parenthood. Teri\u2019s family makeup is becoming more and more typical in American homes. We wanted to celebrate the joy around this beautiful family. Ageism is something we all have a vested interest in eliminating. Dilys Price was afraid of heights, but instead of cowering in her fears, she went on to complete hundreds of parachute jumps all over the world. At 80-years old, she set the Guinness World Record for the oldest female solo parachute jump.\u00a0 However, featuring Dilys was not an easy feat. She passed away in 2020, but I was able to reach out to her charity in the UK. They helped me locate the videographer who filmed this amazing jump, and he connected me to her family. When they found out we wanted to showcase Dilys for the \u201cWho We Are\u201d music video, they said Dilys would have loved to have been featured. She was an inspiration for older adults everywhere and was recognized for her work with people with disabilities for which she was honored at the Pride of Britain awards in 2017. The Diversity Movement\u2019s Senior Consultant, Susie Silver, brought this next gem to my attention: the Drag Queen Story Hour. Because of the COVID pandemic, they were not performing at the same time we were filming, but they allowed us to use footage from a previous story hour.\u00a0 What was so special about this particular footage is that the parents of these children, who were loving the show, gave approval for their kids to also be shown in the music video. This was a wonderful example of teaching the next generation about diversity and inclusion. If you are a women\\'s soccer fan, then you know Jessica McDonald from the North Carolina Courage. She is a powerhouse on the field and an advocate for women\u2019s rights and equal pay off the field. After years of six-figure inequities between men and women soccer pros, in October of 2021, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to offer the respective players\\' unions for the men\\'s and women\\'s national teams the same contract proposals. This outcome was only achieved because of outspoken players like Jessica.\u00a0 Incorporating the game footage of Jessica caused some unexpected delays however. The Courage was on board as soon as they heard of the project, but all game video for The Courage is owned by ESPN. It was about a two-month process for the video to make it up the necessary channels, but the powers that be at ESPN did eventually give their seal of approval, and we were able to move forward with using the clip.\u00a0 That approval was a huge relief. Jessica is an amazing soccer player who gives it her all. She is also a Black woman, a single mother, and an active advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The final shot of the video is this striking beauty, Fiona. She has Complete Heterochromia, meaning she has two different colored eyes. Her eyes are captivating because they are so different. And that is what diversity is: beautifully different.\u00a0 Final Thoughts There were so many rewarding moments in producing this video \u2013 the people I got to meet, the recording of the amazingly talented Autumn Nicholas, learning about the people featured including their lives, loves, and challenges. Yet my greatest reward is sharing these incredible people and their stories with every person who watches the video.\u00a0 I leave you with some interesting statistics. 78% of people watch online videos every week, and 55% of people view online videos every day. That means, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video might change a million hearts and minds. As inclusive leaders, professionals, and content creators, let\u2019s make sure the videos we create aim to make the world a better, more diverse, and more inclusive place. Melanie Sanders is a Senior Consultant at The Diversity Movement. She spent more than 20 years as a television journalist in markets around the country. She then transitioned into a career coaching top executives in corporate communications and has won numerous awards as an executive video producer. Connect with her on Linkedin.\", \"US English Male\");\n                }\n            };\n        <\/script>\n     <\/br><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The thirst for videos that both entertain and enlighten creates an opportunity for global social change. As content creators, marketers, and storytellers, it is critical that we understand the power of video to educate and empower people. And put that power to good use by telling diverse stories that communicate the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I recently transitioned from Director of Video Production and Professional Development at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/walkwest.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walk West<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a multi-award-winning digital marketing agency) to Senior Consultant at The Diversity Movement. My former job as an executive producer was to create content that fed curiosity and left the viewer feeling fulfilled. During my time at Walk West, I had the honor to produce a music video titled \u201cWho We Are\u201d for The Diversity Movement. In creating it, we were seeking to make more than just a video but an anthem for the TDM mission. My goal was to make it beautiful, engaging, educational, catchy, and clickable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Click on the image below to view the video. After you\u2019ve watched, I\u2019ll take you on the journey of how it came to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=x5BxqkoSBoY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5570 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM-1024x558.png\" alt=\"Image of family outside with children on the shoulders of parents\" width=\"1024\" height=\"558\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM-768x418.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.36-PM.png 1476w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/558;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>The Artist: Autumn Nicholas<\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5571 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM-300x164.png\" alt=\"Image of Autumn singing\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM-600x328.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM-1024x560.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM-768x420.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.58.21-PM.png 1460w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/164;\" \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first time I met singer\/songwriter Autumn Nicholas, I knew I wanted to work with her. We met when she was performing at the 2020 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bandtogethernc.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Band Together<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> concert aimed at ending racism. The event had a lofty goal, but we were all in. Autumn and I talked about her songwriting, and I learned that most of her music was focused on making the world a better place. I listened as she belted out soulful, rhythmic tunes filled with lyrics about diversity and equality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A few months later, The Diversity Movement CEO, Donald Thompson, and I were brainstorming about a future TDM video. In Donald fashion, he said he fully trusted me to come up with something amazing. No pressure, right? I was a bit nervous but also excited because I knew that this was the perfect project for a collaboration with Autumn. She would sing the TDM anthem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I immediately reached out to Autumn, and she was ready to work. It was a pleasure collaborating with such a gifted songwriter, vocalist, and advocate about the meaning of what would become \u201cWho We Are.\u201d Autumn met The Diversity Movement team during a Zoom call, as everyone shared their vision for the song. They talked about what diversity meant to them and why they are passionate about the organization\u2019s mission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autumn then put her talents on paper, and gave the team a chance to contribute to her process. I\u2019ve written many stories during my 20+ years as a news reporter and anchor and the last 7 years as an executive producer; but writing song lyrics was a new, rewarding experience. I contributed one line: \u201cSo much more than our backgrounds, deeper than a hue or a pronoun.\u201d I was honored that Autumn and the team also loved the line, and it made the final cut.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5578\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5578\" style=\"width: 269px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5578 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/IMG_6365-Medium-269x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Autumn and Melanie in the recording studio\" width=\"269\" height=\"300\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/IMG_6365-Medium-269x300.jpeg 269w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/IMG_6365-Medium.jpeg 573w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 269px) 100vw, 269px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 269px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 269\/300;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5578\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Autumn and Melanie in the recording studio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After several revisions, it was time to get in the studio so Autumn could lay down the tracks. And, as expected, she blew us all away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each of us tells a unique story about why diversity matters. Our world is amazing because it is filled with incredible people from all walks of life. Communicating that message is the purpose of this video.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, I would like to introduce you to the incredible people who are featured throughout it. You&#8217;ll learn why they were chosen and how their participation in the project made this video even more special.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Diversity is Beautiful &#8211; It&#8217;s Who We Are<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5581\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5581\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5581 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM-300x171.png\" alt=\"Desmond Jackson, Paralympian\" width=\"300\" height=\"171\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM-600x343.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.34-PM.png 1256w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/171;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5581\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Desmond Jackson, Paralympian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The video opens with a shot of Desmond Jackson, a track and field athlete who was training for the Paralympics at the time. He\u2019s one of the fastest above-knee amputees in the country. He is the epitome of drive and determination. Far too often, people with physical challenges are told that there are limits to what they can achieve. Desmond defies those beliefs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5583\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5583\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5583 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM-300x171.png\" alt=\"321 coffee\" width=\"300\" height=\"171\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM-600x343.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM-1024x585.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM-768x439.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.35-PM.png 1228w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/171;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5583\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">321 Coffee<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/321coffee.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">321 Coffee<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a coffee shop and roastery located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company focuses on workplace inclusion and is staffed primarily by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2021, they were voted \u201cBest Coffee Shop in the NC Triangle.\u201d Across all age groups, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/pdf\/disabl.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people with disabilities are more than three times more likely to be unemployed or underemployed<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> compared to people without disabilities. 321 Coffee is on a mission to change that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5586\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5586\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5586 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM-300x166.png\" alt=\"Joe and Jennifer DeNoia\" width=\"300\" height=\"166\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM-600x332.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM-1024x567.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM-768x425.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.57.15-PM.png 1464w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/166;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joe and Jennifer DeNoia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joe and Jennifer DeNoia have been married for more than two decades and have three beautiful daughters. While approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wearethe15percent.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% of new marriages are interracial<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and our society is becoming more accepting of interracial relationships, couples like Joe and Jennifer still face prejudice and discrimination. We wanted to showcase the beauty and endurance of their story. Joe and Jennifer\u2019s love has survived\u2013and thrived\u2013despite ignorance and a lack of understanding from those they know and those they don\u2019t know.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5587 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM-300x166.png\" alt=\"Children on the shoulders of their fathers\" width=\"300\" height=\"166\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM-600x333.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM-1024x568.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM-768x426.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.12.53-PM.png 1294w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/166;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s no secret that one of the communities that has had to fight the hardest for equality and inclusion is the LGBTQ+ community. A segment of our society is just now getting to a place where they view the above photo as a healthy and complete family, and we still have a long way to go.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most of this video was filmed in Raleigh, NC. However, this was one piece of stock footage that I fell in love with. It features two men, who are also in an interracial relationship, with their two children. For me, this image embodies happiness and hope. This footage shows the joy of love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/library\/%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8878 size-large lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C-1024x341.png\" alt=\"TDM Library: your one-stop-shop for update, expert DEI Resources. Explore the platform with a free trial. Click here to learn more.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"341\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C-1024x341.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C-600x200.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-TDM-Library-Display-Ad_Large-C.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/341;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5589 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM-300x173.png\" alt=\"Soldier carrying other soldier\" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM-300x173.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM-600x346.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM-1024x591.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM-768x443.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.11-PM.png 1380w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/173;\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5590 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM-300x164.png\" alt=\"Wedding photo of wife and army husband\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM-600x329.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM-1024x561.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM-768x421.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.06.48-PM.png 1336w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/164;\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diversity spans well beyond race, religion, nationality, and other outward characteristics. It\u2019s our different experiences and perspectives that truly make us special \u2013 an idea sometimes referred to as acquired, or experiential, diversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our military servicepeople sacrifice their lives and their freedom for our country, everyday. Many come away with experiences and challenges that civilians cannot possibly understand. A full <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/topics\/population\/veterans.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7% of the American population are veterans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and with that in mind, we wanted to show a glimpse into the range of experiences that veterans, servicepeople, and their families experience.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5594\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5594\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5594 size-medium lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.46-PM-300x270.png\" alt=\"Patrice Andrews getting sworn in\" width=\"300\" height=\"270\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.46-PM-300x270.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.46-PM-600x540.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.46-PM-768x691.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-12.59.46-PM.png 896w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/270;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5594\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Patrice Andrews<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The video shows <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/indyweek.com\/news\/durham\/morrisville-police-chief-patrice-andrews-will-lead-durham-police-department\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Patrice Andrews<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> being sworn in as Police Chief of Morrisville, North Carolina, a small town outside of Raleigh. It is invaluable for communities to see themselves represented in the police department. As a Black woman, Chief Andrews uses her platform to improve relations between police officers and the community and to create spaces for courageous conversations about race, gender, diversity, and equity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I wanted to show a woman of color in a police uniform as this image sends a powerful message about how you can use your position to uplift your community and those around you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On a side note, Chief Andrews was recently appointed as the new police chief of Durham, NC. Congratulations to her!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5595 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM-300x172.png\" alt=\"Man praying\" width=\"300\" height=\"172\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM-600x344.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM-1024x587.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM-768x440.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.13-PM.png 1252w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/172;\" \/>We filmed this gentleman praying in the park just before sunset. His words and movements were so beautifully ritualistic. Unfortunately, many are quick to judge those who practice the Muslim faith, especially if they do so in public spaces like this park.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I felt it was especially important to showcase diversity of faith because of how divisive it can be. This kind man may be judged based on his religion, not because of his own words or actions, but due to the extremist actions of other people. He wanted to be featured in the video in the hope that viewers will understand that diversity also means that one person in a faith does not determine the intentions of all.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5597\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5597\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5597 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM-300x167.png\" alt=\"John Samuel and family walking outside\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM-600x335.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM-768x429.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.05.28-PM.png 1272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/167;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5597\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">John Samuel and family<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of The Diversity Movement\u2019s first strategic partners, John Samuel, is a Raleigh icon. We could not produce a video on diversity without highlighting him and his family. In 2020, John founded Ablr, a company with the sole purpose of removing barriers for people with disabilities. Ablr is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ablr360.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">digital accessibility<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and inclusion agency that helps ensure a company\u2019s digital content is 100% accessible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">John started losing his vision when he was in college. I featured him because of his enduring determination and subsequent accomplishments. An Indian-American man who is blind, John has used his leadership and technological talents to improve the lives of others. We also couldn\u2019t resist including his supportive wife and their two adorable sons.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5598\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5598\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5598 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM-300x164.png\" alt=\"King Nobuyoshi Godwin\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.11.41-PM.png 1332w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/164;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5598\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">King Nobuyoshi Godwin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meet <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kinggodwin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">King Nobuyoshi Godwin<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. King was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2. At 13, he discovered his love of art. On his website, King says, &#8220;My name is Nobuyoshi Godwin. I have autism. Being autistic is ok. I can see trees in my mind and talk with them. It&#8217;s blue and it&#8217;s ok.\u201d King\u2019s artwork is featured in some of the most prominent buildings around the state of North Carolina.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let me just say, this young man is incredible! Differences in the way we perceive the world and express ourselves are an important part of diversity that is often overlooked. I was overjoyed that he was willing to be a part of the video, along with his mother who is his biggest fan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5599 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM-300x166.png\" alt=\"Teri and children playing on seesaw\" width=\"300\" height=\"166\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM-300x166.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM-600x332.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM-1024x567.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM-768x425.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.34-PM.png 1250w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/166;\" \/>Teri is a single mom of two adopted children of different national origins. Her family\u2019s appearance only grazes the surface of who they are as a family and who she is as a mother. But by including them, I hoped to showcase a mom who is juggling the challenges of modern parenthood. Teri\u2019s family makeup is becoming more and more typical in American homes. We wanted to celebrate the joy around this beautiful family.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5601\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5601\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5601 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM-300x167.png\" alt=\"Dilys Price skydiving\" width=\"300\" height=\"167\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM-600x334.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM-1024x570.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM-768x428.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.08.07-PM.png 1300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/167;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5601\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dilys Price<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ageism is something we all have a vested interest in eliminating. Dilys Price was afraid of heights, but instead of cowering in her fears, she went on to complete hundreds of parachute jumps all over the world. At 80-years old, she set the Guinness World Record for the oldest female solo parachute jump.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, featuring Dilys was not an easy feat. She passed away in 2020, but I was able to reach out to her charity in the UK. They helped me locate the videographer who filmed this amazing jump, and he connected me to her family. When they found out we wanted to showcase Dilys for the \u201cWho We Are\u201d music video, they said Dilys would have loved to have been featured. She was an inspiration for older adults everywhere and was recognized for her work with people with disabilities for which she was honored at the Pride of Britain awards in 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5602\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5602\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5602 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM-300x164.png\" alt=\"Drag Queen Story Hour\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM-300x164.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM-600x329.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM-1024x561.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM-768x421.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.58-PM.png 1328w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/164;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5602\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drag Queen Story Hour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Diversity Movement\u2019s Senior Consultant, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/team\/susie-silver\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Susie Silver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, brought this next gem to my attention: the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dragqueenstoryhour.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drag Queen Story Hour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Because of the COVID pandemic, they were not performing at the same time we were filming, but they allowed us to use footage from a previous story hour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What was so special about this particular footage is that the parents of these children, who were loving the show, gave approval for their kids to also be shown in the music video. This was a wonderful example of teaching the next generation about diversity and inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5603\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5603\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5603 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM-300x162.png\" alt=\"Shot during NC Courage game\" width=\"300\" height=\"162\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM-600x324.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM-1024x553.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM-768x415.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.09.17-PM.png 1282w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/162;\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">NC Courage Courtesy of ESPN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are a women&#8217;s soccer fan, then you know <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/jmac1422\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jessica McDonald from the North Carolina Courage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. She is a powerhouse on the field and an advocate for women\u2019s rights and equal pay off the field. After years of six-figure inequities between men and women soccer pros, in October of 2021, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to offer the respective players&#8217; unions for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s national teams the same contract proposals. This outcome was only achieved because of outspoken players like Jessica.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating the game footage of Jessica caused some unexpected delays however. The Courage was on board as soon as they heard of the project, but all game video for The Courage is owned by ESPN. It was about a two-month process for the video to make it up the necessary channels, but the powers that be at ESPN did eventually give their seal of approval, and we were able to move forward with using the clip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That approval was a huge relief. Jessica is an amazing soccer player who gives it her all. She is also a Black woman, a single mother, and an active advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-5605 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM-300x169.png\" alt=\"Shot of Fiona's eyes\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM-600x337.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screen-Shot-2022-02-09-at-1.10.16-PM.png 1266w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/169;\" \/>The final shot of the video is this striking beauty, Fiona. She has Complete Heterochromia, meaning she has two different colored eyes. Her eyes are captivating because they are so different. And that is what diversity is: beautifully different.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There were so many rewarding moments in producing this video \u2013 the people I got to meet, the recording of the amazingly talented Autumn Nicholas, learning about the people featured including their lives, loves, and challenges. Yet my greatest reward is sharing these incredible people and their stories with every person who watches the video.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I leave you with some interesting statistics. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/socialmediaweek.org\/blog\/2019\/10\/2020-video-marketing-and-statistics-what-brands-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">78% of people watch online videos every week<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and 55% of people view online videos every day. That means, if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video might change a million hearts and minds. As inclusive leaders, professionals, and content creators, let\u2019s make sure the videos we create aim to make the world a better, more diverse, and more inclusive place.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/library\/%20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-8045 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C-1024x85.png\" alt=\"Display ad for TDM Library. Text says &quot;Find more content like this in TDM Library. Start my free trial&quot;\" width=\"1024\" height=\"85\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C-1024x85.png 1024w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C-600x50.png 600w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C-300x25.png 300w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C-768x64.png 768w, https:\/\/thediversitymovement.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/TDM-Library-Footer-Ad-C.png 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/85;\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Melanie Sanders is a Senior Consultant at The Diversity Movement. She spent more than 20 years as a television journalist in markets around the country. She then transitioned into a career coaching top executives in corporate communications and has won numerous awards as an executive video producer. Connect with her on <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/melanie-sanders-1446a69\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Linkedin<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The thirst for videos that both entertain and enlighten creates an opportunity for global social change. As content creators, marketers, and storytellers, it is critical that we understand the power15<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5570,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[79],"tdm_type":[92],"class_list":["post-5569","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs","tag-personal-stories","tdm_type-articles"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Making of &quot;Who We Are&quot; - The Diversity Movement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As content creators, marketers, and storytellers, it is critical that we understand the power of video to educate and empower people. 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