diversity and inclusiondiversity and inclusion champion

I Am Diversity- an outstanding poem

By March 30, 2012 4 Comments


I invite you to read this beautiful poem on diversity and inclusion by a colleague, Charles Bennefield, who is an internal corporate diversity director
Charles Bennafield – is a pastor (www.crossroadsrockchapel.org) and poet
located in Georgia.  He is a diversity practioner with an extensive
background in IT.  He can be reached at diverselikeme@me.com his phone
number is (678) 886 1229
I Am Diversity, Please Include Me
I ‘m present in every place you go
Depending on your lens I’m friend or foe
I’m a force to be reckoned with
Like the winds of change I move. I’m swift.
I’m present when two or more are together
If embraced I can make the good even better.
I’m not limited to age, gender, or race.
I’m invisible at times and yet all over the place.
Don’t exclude me due to a lack of knowledge
Welcome me like the recruit fresh out of college.
Let me take my seat at the table
Even though I may be differently able
My experience, my passion the authentic me
Can help add value for your company.
Learn about me; improve my underrepresentation
And I can provide a competitive edge to your entire nation.
I exclude no one I am strengthened by all
My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall.
Recognize me and keep me in the mix
Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.
I am your best hope towards true innovation
And to many, I reflect hope and inspiration.
Your lives and companies will continue to change
Thus the need for Diversity and Inclusion will also remain.
Do all that you can to truly embrace me
And experience life’s fullness totally
I’m the thought lurking behind the unfamiliar face
I’m the ingenuity that helps your team win the race.
I’m the solution that came from the odd question that was asked.
I stand out in the crowd when I, Diversity, am allowed to be unmasked.
I’m diversity embrace me and we’ll journey far.
I’m Diversity include me and we will reach the shining star.
Coupled with Inclusion our lights burn longer
Together we are smarter, better and stronger
I am Diversity
Yes, that’s me
Charles Bennafield
Written 3/8/2012 for The Conference Board Diversity Boot Camp Spring 2012 team