Black Heritage Month Celebrates Culture, Contributions of African Americans
Feature 02 MAR 2020
Our commitment to a robust Inclusion and Diversity agenda is critical to the success of our business. It is core to achieving our ambition of becoming the best, most trusted and respected consumer products company in the world. Our own community must reflect the communities in which we live, work, source and sell if we are to succeed. One way we are working toward this goal is through our Business Resource Groups.
Our nine active Business Resource Groups (BRGs) represent various ethnic and identity communities and social functions. Each BRG generates thought-provoking work to enhance our business and workplaces. They deliver activities that are open and relevant to all employees, often in concert with a network of allies outside of the groups. This past month, our African Heritage Employees at Diageo BRG (A.H.E.A.D. ) led the annual Black History Month (aka, Black Heritage Month) celebration across North America with a suite of culture-rich showcases, inspiring conversations and events and impactful community service. Partnering with the Crown Royal and Guinness brands, A.H.E.A.D. hosted a number of events celebrated under the hashtag #BlackRoyalty.

““Black Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what’s important to our community and to set the tone for that celebration to continue all year round. This year captured many memories in our new homes here in Stamford, CT and 3 World Trade Center in lower Manhattan. Thanks to all AHEAD members who stepped in to make this a great event.””
Naomi Chapman TaylorCustomer Logistics Senior Analyst, Stamford, CT
““We look forward to Diageo continuing to recognize the impact of African heritage employees in our company and persons throughout the communities where we live, work, source and sell who are making bold and meaningful contributions to our society that benefit us all.””
Kimberly Williams and Malcolm EllisA.H.E.A.D. Co-Chairs
The mission of A.H.E.A.D. is four-fold:
- To acknowledge, value and highlight the contributions of African heritage employees at Diageo.
- To provide a community structure and support system that promotes the recruitment, retention and development of African heritage employees at Diageo.
- To nurture a culture of diversity and inclusiveness, valuing authenticity and rooted in respect for differences in ethnicity, background or style.
- To serve as business partners and brand ambassadors in providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace and unlocking additional growth for Diageo’s total beverage alcohol portfolio.
