Throughout Black History Month, our employees shared stories and music, supported Black-owned businesses in our neighborhoods, and celebrated with an annual awards ceremony and cooking demonstration.
Spearheaded by our Black Resource Group (BRG)—one of our 11 employee resource groups—the month’s events generated conversations and connections for all employees.
Members of the BRG kicked off the month by organizing a special delivery—over 400 swag bags for the BRG community!
Connecting people through food they love is at the heart of everything we do—so of course we had to celebrate with a cooking demonstration from Campbell Chef Gerald Drummond!
The month is all about learning—including for Chef Gerald, who made Brazilian feijoada for the first time as a part of this demonstration. He also prepared dishes from Antigua and Nigeria, and as a former restaurant chef, he shared helpful cooking hints and tips along the way, like the importance of marinating and seasoning to get restaurant quality food.
Throughout history, storytelling has played an important role in Black communities. That’s why members of the BRG shared videos about what makes the BRG and Black history so important to them.
Dr. Pierre Faa, Principal Scientist from our Snacks Research & Development team, talked about how his experience growing up in Douala, Cameroon and his mother’s advice taught him resilience. He credits that resilience for his ability to face challenges and find ways to overcome them throughout his career and life.
Members of the BRG also shared curated music that represent past, present, and future moments from Black culture, with explanations for why the songs were chosen.
New this year, the BRG launched its first ever BRG Green Book. Throughout its history, the Green Book’s purpose was to aid Black travelers to direct them to businesses where they wouldn’t face prejudice or danger because of their skin color. The BRG’s Green Book is aimed at supporting Black businesses in our Campbell communities 365 days a year.
During the month, employees supported and raised awareness of Black-owned business from the Green Book like bookstores, coffee shops, food pop-ups, and beauty supply stores.
For the second year, we concluded our monthlong celebration with the BRG Awards, a virtual awards ceremony celebrating Black excellence, and honoring leaders across the BRG.
Members of the BRG chose award winners in these categories:
The Architect: Recognizes an individual who takes pride in their community and exhibits a strong sense of “we.” They work tirelessly to better the surrounding areas through their time and talent.
Winners:
The Trail Blazer: This individual always leads by example. They are a great resource for employees inside and outside of their departments. They not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to guidance and promotion of their direct reports.
The Plug: Recognizes an individual who is the person people come to when they need advice or support. Their M.O. is to build a winning team and culture where everyone feels included and empowered to use their unique voice. This person inspires the culture we are helping to build.
The Game Changer: Recognizes an individual who gets things done and always goes above and beyond. They have unmatched persistence and find unique solutions in the face of obstacles. They approach each challenge with enthusiasm and their contagious passion rallies their teams to be their best.
The Difference Maker: The coaching champion award is presented to coaches in the workplace who go the extra mile to help others grow personally and professionally. Recognizing good leaders and coaches helps you motivate and engage employees at all levels.
Dedication & Service Award: Awarded to an employee who has made a positive impact on our Campbell communities.
Winner:
Congratulations to all this year’s winners!
Our Black Resource Group Social Justice Fund goes to select organizations that support the Black community. This year, the fund is supporting Black Girls Code, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, the Equal Justice Initiative, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the National Urban League, and the National Urban League.
Employee donations to the fund are matched 100% by the Campbell Soup Foundation throughout the month.
Our Black History Month events, celebrations, and reflections helped our employees connect with one another to reflect on Black culture, past and present. It’s all part of our commitment to build an inclusive and diverse culture where all employees feel safe, valued, and supported to do their best work.