Celebrating Black heritage: an interview with Joe Frazier, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner at Brown-Forman

"There’s so much love in cooking. It's a great way to pay homage to those who came before us through the recipes they passed down, as well as an intentional way to share one's culture with others." myGwork spoke to Joe Frazier, the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner for Global Supply Chain and Technology at Brown-Forman. With a career spanning various sectors and a passionate commitment to diversity and inclusion, Joe shares insights into his personal and professional journey, highlighting his role in celebrating Black History Month both within his workplace and community.

From honoring the rich tapestry of Black heritage through cultural celebrations to advocating for meaningful change, Joe offers a compelling perspective on the importance of recognizing and amplifying Black history not only during February but all year long.

Hi Joe - thanks for chatting to us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Joe Frazier and I work for Brown-Forman as the Senior Diversity and Inclusion Business Partner for Global Supply Chain and Technology. I joined about eight months ago, and was very familiar with Brown-Forman and its positive reputation in the Louisville community. Before this role, I served in various positions as a D&I officer in both the non-profit and education sectors. I am an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

This month marks Black History Month - how do you personally celebrate and recognize this?

I celebrate and recognize Black History Month (BHM) by actively participating in events within the community and at Brown-Forman. Personally, I enjoy having friends and family over for dinner, where we serve different soul food recipes in a celebration of Black heritage culture. There’s so much love in cooking. It's a great way to pay homage to those who came before us through the recipes they passed down, as well as an intentional way to share one's culture with others.

I also celebrate BHM through the patronage of Black-owned businesses and exhibits featuring Black artists. I utilize my social media platforms as a means to amplify the voices and stories of lesser-known Black figures who have made significant impacts in various fields. By sharing their accomplishments, struggles, and contributions, I am educating and inspiring others while also fostering a greater sense of appreciation for Black history and its ongoing relevance. Through these actions, I strive to honor the legacy of Black individuals who have paved the way for progress and continue to advocate for equality and justice in our society.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black history is American history. Unfortunately, a lot of that history is reduced to what little we are taught during one month out of every year. Until this is rectified, I will make the most of February that I can. Celebrating Black History Month provides an opportunity to honor the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It's a time to reflect on the resilience and determination of those who paved the way for future generations, breaking barriers and fighting for justice and equality. By recognizing and acknowledging this history, I feel empowered and inspired to continue the legacy of resilience and progress. Embracing Black history is not only a means of honoring the past but also a way to inspire positive change and promote inclusivity and diversity in the present and future.

How can everyone show up for Black History Month?

Everyone can support Black History Month by educating themselves about Black history and culture, amplifying Black voices and stories, participating in events and discussions, and advocating for equality and justice.

Do you have any favorite films/tv shows/podcasts, etc. for learning about Black history?

These are just a few. There are so many.

The Equal Justice Initiative
@TheHumanityArchive
Black-ish
Hidden Figures
SELMA
The Color Purple
The Green Book
Harlem Knights
Judas and the Black Massiah

What is Brown-Forman doing to mark Black History Month?

We are celebrating Black History Month through a diverse array of events, both in-person and virtual. These include:

Kicking off the month with a cocktail/mocktail employee hour
Hosting a local Black chef with two restaurants to be the “guest chef” at our Louisville campus restaurant
Offering a DEI roundtable discussion with multiple employees and topics
Engaging with our community through service activities

We are recognizing individuals within the company who actively promote inclusivity and opportunities for others, known as Table Makers, aligning with the month’s theme, "A Seat At The Table."

An exciting event happening in April, and you can sign up for now, it is the Spirits on the Rise Summit. The focus for it is simple. The two-day event brings together BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) spirits professionals and experienced spirits industry professionals to elevate underrepresented communities as they advance their businesses. This is part of our work through the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative.