Penguins, Pirates, Steelers unite for diversity and equity initiative in Pittsburgh
(caption) Presenters announcing a partnership between the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and Pittsburgh's Black Political Empowerment Project pose at Acrisure Stadium (formerly called Heinz Field) on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023.
Photo: Brian Batko/Post-Gazette
(link)
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/2023/02/28/penguins-pirates-steelers-bpep-pittsburgh-diversity-equity-inclusion/stories/202302280126
The Penguins, Pirates and Steelers cant run any of the same plays, but now they all share the same game plan. At least when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion.
In a program Tuesday night at Acrisure Stadium, the Pittsburgh-based Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP) announced its partnership with the citys three major professional teams. The three franchises all have agreed to adopt and implement B-PEPs Corporate Equity & Inclusion Roundtable playbook within their organizations, with a focus on providing employment opportunities to African Americans.
Among those in attendance were David Morehouse, senior adviser to Steelers president Art Rooney II; Travis Williams, Pirates team president; and the Penguins Tracey McCants Lewis, chief people officer and general counsel. Steelers President Art Rooney II is in Indianapolis for the NFL scouting combine but filmed a pre-recorded video for the presentation.
For clarification, this doesn't mean all jobs go to Black people, said Tim Stevens, B-PEP chairman and CEO. It means were in the Rolodex for Pittsburgh.
Mr. Stevens began work with Mr. Rooney on this mission in 2013, when Mr. Rooney gave him the thumbs-up to use the term Rooney Rule in B-PEPs efforts to expand diversity, equity and inclusion in the Pittsburgh region. Now, Mr. Rooney will share this same initiative with the other 31 owners in the NFL, a commitment that when coupled with the Penguins and Pirates jumping on board Mr. Stevens views as a transformational moment in time.
- more at link -