GM reinforces its commitment to diversity at the 48th edition of the Bayou Classic

Diversity well done

With a rich history and a premier fleet that includes Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevrolet, General Motors is a powerful player in the competitive automotive space that has strengthened its commitment to diversity by injecting millions into the ever-growing SWAC. .

We had the pleasure of traveling to the 48th Classic Bayou in New Orleans where we took advantage of the world-renowned experience while learning about GM’s impressive diversity initiatives.

This year’s game between the Southern Jaguars and the Grambling Tigers drew more than 200,000 people to NOLA for the group battle and the game a year after the lively event was canceled due to the pandemic.

If you didn’t know, Southern’s Human Jukebox and Grambling’s Marching Tigers are two of the nation’s most powerful bands that have presented themselves in front of an excited crowd at the Caesars Superdome.

On game day, attendees enjoyed GM’s Fan Zone with an interactive photo booth, vehicle showcase, and PS5 play stations.

Source: Mike Bailey

Every Thanksgiving weekend, the multigenerational event brings seas of beautiful people together for delicious food, soulful grooves, and camaraderie in the Big Easy.

“We champion diversity and inclusion on all fronts. Our commitment to historically black colleges and universities is central to strengthening our diverse talent pool and propelling the visibility of student-athletes, alumni and each of the universities represented, ”said Tarshena Armstrong, Director of Marketing and Development at diversity for General Motors.

“Representation matters. SWAC is the first sporting conference of the HBCU, with a festive spirit of community and connectivity. GM is proud to contribute change and impact with our partnership through every SWAC sporting event.

Earlier this year, SWAC announced that General Motors would be its exclusive auto sponsor until 2024.

The three-year deal covers the entire conference, with GM supporting multiple touchpoints, from championship events and scholarships to eSports gaming labs and workforce preparation and recruitment initiatives. .

“Words cannot adequately convey my enthusiasm for welcoming General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the Southwestern Athletic Conference,” said SWAC Commissioner Dr Charles McClelland.

“For more than a century, the General Motors brand has been synonymous with a high level of quality, innovation and customer service. GM has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity, the advancement of minority education, and professional training and development. This partnership will undoubtedly have a significant impact in helping us provide the tools and resources necessary to further amplify the missions and overall objectives of our 12 member institutions. “

GM will also own the presenting rights to the SWAC Football Classic featuring the Alcorn State University Braves vs. the Jackson State University Tigers.

Source: Dauphin Tales Photography

In an immersive presentation, GM detailed their diversity gains and future goals in our ever-changing world that is becoming more diverse by the day.

The auto giant recently celebrated the fifth year of the Discover the Unexpected scholarship program with Chevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) which offered 10 students HBCU internships to explore a variety of roles and develop skills as agents of change in their communities.

Source: Dauphin Tales Photography

More recently, GM, the Black Automotive Media Group and Clark University in Atlanta have teamed up to create “The Driving Force,” a 10-week virtual credited field internship with mentoring sessions, writing classes. , video production and media courses for 15 students.

The program provided participants with professional development and mentorship while preparing them to join the next generation of automotive industry leaders.

GM has a long history of attracting talent from HBCUs and has partnered with Advancing Minorities Interests in Engineering (AMIE), which represents the 15 accredited HBCUs in engineering.

Over the years, GM has worked with top HBCUS, Black Engineer of the Year, National Society of Black Engineers, Women of Color in STEM to find both interns and permanent hires.

“As we aspire to be the most inclusive company in the world, GM’s success will depend on developing diverse talent, particularly in STEM fields,” said Deborah Wahl, director of global marketing for General Motors.

“Our collaboration with SWAC creates valuable connections with thriving HBCUs and their communities, and I am proud that GM is providing these incredible student-athletes with opportunities to excel, both today and as they embark on their journey. their future career. “

For more information on GM’s commitment to diversity, click here.