February is Black History Month and Caesars Entertainment is bringing African American voices together from throughout the company to remind everyone of the importance of recognizing black Americans’ contributions to our communities.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet
Caesars Entertainment employees from the Diversity & Inclusion team and the Chorus Business Impact Group (BIG) celebrate at the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet on January 20.
Each year, Caesars Entertainment partners with the community to both celebrate and honor the legacy of the civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., recognizing the progress that Dr. King achieved for African Americans and all people of color.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet is a chance for the Las Vegas African American community to honor Dr. King while discussing the challenges African Americans face today. In fact, it’s the premier celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Las Vegas.
Hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Las Vegas, with Parade Grand Marshals Pastor Kelcey West and Tya Mathis-Coleman emceeing, the banquet took place at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. Chorus was in attendance along with our Diversity & Inclusion team. “The banquet is a huge highlight for our Chorus Business Impact Group as well as a significant contribution to professional development,” says Agnes Cook, Diversity Relations & Social Equity Manager at Caesars Entertainment.
The Banquet is a fundraiser to support disadvantaged black students attending college through the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Las Vegas scholarship fund. Caesars served as a banquet sponsor; this year, the banquet raised more than $4,000, which will provide college scholarships for local African American students.
Living Our Values
In honor of Dr. King’s dedication to the dignity of all people, HERO volunteers and team members at Horseshoe Hammond conducted a drive to collect shampoo, soap, lip balm, feminine products, deodorant and other necessary items. According to Dawn Reynolds Pettit, Regional Vice President of Human Resources, “Hygiene items are often forgotten about when items are donated to shelters and community centers and we know there is a great need. It’s small, inexpensive items like these that can restore self-worth and pride.” The donations will directly benefit more than 150 local people in need through Greater Hammond Community Services.
Horseshoe Hammond team members Jessica De Perio and Vanessa Salazar with 300+ hygiene items collected.
Serving Our Community
Chorus, Las Vegas’ Business Impact Group, brings together team members for networking to provide opportunities to help out in the community and, importantly, to help Caesars achieve its diversity and inclusion goals. To support homeless youth in the Las Vegas Valley, Chorus will be partnering with Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth to host a dinner at the organization’s center in February. HERO volunteers will serve something that homeless youth might not often get to enjoy—barbeque—and also help to pack lunches and spend time with the young people.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
Caesars Entertainment embraces social justice and racial-gender equality for all. We partner with a broad scope of nonprofit partners advancing African Americans throughout the U.S., including NAACP, National Urban League, 100 Black Men, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Black Journalists.
In 2017, 37% of managers at Caesars Entertainment locations were minorities, compared with a national average of 22%. As just one example of bringing more African American candidates in the door, we partner with My Next Career Path Staffing, a Las Vegas-based business owned by local entrepreneur Renee Boyce. In addition to working with Renee to hire diverse IT professionals, we sponsor continuing leadership education to help him continue to grow his business.
