More Honors for Henry Aaron’s Commitment to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion

We recently noted the passing of one of Major League Baseball’s most famous stars and earliest black players: home run king, Henry Aaron. An Atlanta resident, he quietly used his fame and wealth in his post-baseball life to support education, diversity, equality and inclusion. His passing at age 86 came in the context of many people’s raised awareness of systemic racism and its many deleterious effects. Among those effects have been ongoing disparities in the physical and mental health status for those groups that have been the targets of institutional racism and discrimination. (See Quiet Power- Henry Aaron and the Fight Against Injustice.)

Two Organizations that Henry Aaron Supported Honored His Contributions to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Last Friday would have been Aaron’s 87th birthday. Two organizations that Aaron supported took that occasion to honor his contributions to diversity, equality and inclusion. One was a technical college little known outside of Georgia that historically has served communities in the poorer parts of Atlanta. The other is a world-famous sports organization.

Atlanta College Hosted an Event to Celebrate Henry Aaron’s Birthday and His Economic Generosity

For many years, Aaron homered for the Atlanta Technical College through his donations that supported scholarships for deserving students. There on Feb. 5, in a building named for Aaron on his 86th birthday, scholarship recipients, students and faculty celebrated his birthday. The event called attention to Aaron’s generosity that has allowed the south Atlanta college to provide eight endowed scholarships every semester. Officials have said that his overall giving to Atlanta Tech has generated over $10 million of economic impact to the school.

Atlanta Braves Created the Henry Aaron Fellowship – Executive Leadership Program

In addition to honoring Henry Aaron’s commitment to economic mobility for disadvantaged young people through technical education, another Atlanta institution honored him last week in a way that may further his legacy in the business world. The Atlanta Braves baseball organization that Aaron helped build in his playing years and afterward as Vice-President and Director of Player Development, created the Henry Aaron Fellowship. This fellowship will support a yearlong executive leadership program where diverse professionals will work in the Braves business operations, working directly with the Braves’ President and CEO. The Braves hope this effort will widen the talent pool of future diverse industry leaders. Throughout his long professional life in baseball, Aaron worked to increase equity in sports by increasing access, opportunity and by advocating for racial equality.

Both honors for Henry Aaron’s legacy come at a fitting time. February is Black History Month. Baseball historians have noted that in addition to all Aaron accomplished during and after his playing career, in the 1950’s he was one of the first generation of black players in the Major Leagues.

About the Author

Norman Winegar, LCSW, CEAP, NCAC II is the Chief Clinical Officer at Espyr. For over 30 years, Norman has practiced in mental health, substance misuse, and EAP settings. He has also worked in leadership positions in both public and private sector behavioral health organizations. An author of four books, he is frequently called on for presentations and as a panelist to share his expertise and experience as a mental health professional.

About Espyr

For over 30 years Espyr, has provided innovative mental health solutions to organizations operating under some of the most challenging conditions. Espyr’s portfolio of customized counseling, coaching and consulting solutions help people and organizations achieve their full potential by providing mental health support and driving positive behavioral change.  For more information on how Espyr can help your organization, call Espyr at 888-570-3479 or click here.

Sources

Salute to the memory of Mr. Henry Louis “Hank”Aaron

https://atlantatech.edu/

Atlanta Braves announce the Henry Aaron Fellowship

Major League Baseball

https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-atlanta-braves-announce-the-henry-aaron-fellowship