We stand for diversity and inclusion in media: USA TODAY publisher
Thank you to the News Leaders Association for this recognition and to each of you for your continued commitment to diversity in our industry.
This award carries a deep and special meaning for me. It is an honor, truly, to receive it and to be in such inspiring company as is the list of past recipients.
Many of them my own Gannett colleagues, both past and present.
All tireless warriors in the fight for diversity and inclusion. Each represents not only the grit and grace required to get ahead but the generosity to ensure opportunity for others.
At the Detroit Free Press hangs a portrait of Bob McGruder and underneath it these words: “Please know I stand for diversity. I represent diversity. I am the messenger and the message of diversity.”
The messenger and the message.
Encouragement that demands response
So much meaning in those words. Inherent in them is not just the value of what we each bring to the table — a different perspective, an authentic understanding of our communities, the impactful contributions we make to journalism and our industry — but also in Bob’s words exists a challenge.
To not only take the seat at the table but to put our voice and actions toward lasting inclusion — in our newsrooms, in our coverage and in our communities. To look forward, head held high but always with arm stretched behind, pulling up the next person.
I have been blessed over nearly 24 years at Gannett to work with and for colleagues for whom diversity and inclusion are not buzzwords but deeply held core values. Their unrelenting commitment is a daily inspiration. This award truly is theirs as much as mine.
In honor of them and the important work that binds all of us together, my pledge is this:
To those who are striving, reaching — I see you.
To those who some days feel invisible — I see you.
To those who have to work twice as hard for half as many opportunities — I see you.
To those whom we serve regardless of race, or creed, or gender or sexual identity, or
socioeconomic status or any of the myriad things that render us “other” in this world — I see you.
My story
In turn, see me.
The daughter of immigrants. The first in my family to earn a college degree. The one who learned English as a second language because my parents were worried they would pass on their own heavily accented English.
See me, the young girl who was told she had to make straight As in order stay in an accelerated first-grade class and understood, at not quite 6, that the other kids in the class were not held to that standard.
But also see me, the beneficiary of mentors and sponsors who reached out in good faith, making room at the table, steadying me when I stumbled, replenishing my spirit during the inevitable hard times. Challenging me — and helping me — rise to my best self.
Today I honor those who have paved the way for me. And it is my honor, my responsibility, to pay forward their gifts by always remembering to look forward, head held high but always with arm stretched behind, pulling up the next person.
I am the messenger and the message of diversity.
Thank you.
Maribel Perez Wadsworth is president of the USA TODAY Network and publisher of USA TODAY, which is owned by the Gannett Company. Follow her on Twitter: @mwadsworth
You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USA TODAY Network president accepts award for diversity leadership
