AARP Kentucky Sponsors Muhammad Ali Center’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Programs

Muhammad Ali Center's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Training Programs

AARP Kentucky Sponsorship to support 10 small businesses in state and reach nearly 300 employees.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —
This year’s “awakening” of the already imperative need for education and implementation of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism Training in businesses and other organizations, is a call answered earlier this year by the Muhammad Ali Center with its new DEIA workshops and retreats. AARP Kentucky recognized this need as well, and has pledged to sponsor 10 small businesses to take part in the Center’s DEIA training programs. These programs are created for businesses and organizations interested in educating their employees while fostering equitable and inclusive community-building. The $7,000 sponsorship will reach nearly 300 employees.                                                                                                                                                

The uniqueness of the Center’s DEIA training program is that Muhammad Ali’s legacy and Six Core Principles are utilized as the foundation of the experience, guiding participants through identity and anti-racism trainings, while discovering the power each of us has to build inclusive communities in any space that we occupy. Each experience also includes a socially distanced guided tour of the Center’s 2-1/2 levels of award-winning exhibits and its new temporary exhibit, Truth Be Told: The Policies that Impacted Black Lives.

Ron Bridges, State Director of AARP Kentucky, said, “AARP envisions a society in which all people live with dignity and purpose. For the past 60 years, we have used our influence and resources to remove impediments to the realization of goals and dreams. We’re excited to make this investment in the Muhammad Ali Center’s impactful Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Programming.”

“What we have witnessed in 2020 has amplified the critically important need for all organizations to cultivate a safe and inclusive environment for their employees and constituents,” said Donald Lassere, President and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center. “Yet, the financial hardship caused by the Covid19 pandemic continues to prevent many of our small and locally-owned businesses from accessing these resources. We are sincerely grateful that AARP recognized this need and has stepped forward with this sponsorship. We hope that AARP’s leadership in this regard will inspire other justice-focused organizations to donate to the Ali Center’s education initiatives to help foster more equitable and just workspaces within our community and region.”

The Ali Center’s DEIA Training Programs include a selection of either 3 or 4 hour workshops. There is also a two-day retreat available, not included in the sponsorship.

Workshops are offered on a first come, first served basis and workshop completion must occur by Sunday, April 18, 2021.

Small businesses and organizations interested in the sponsorship, contact Erin Herbert eherbert@alicenter.org or call 502.992.5341.

For more information about the Ali Center’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Training Programs and pricing options, please visit the Ali Center’s website HERE.

About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About the Muhammad Ali Center The Muhammad Ali Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, was cofounded by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The international cultural center promotes the Six Core Principles of Muhammad Ali (Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality) in ways that inspire personal and global greatness and provides programming and events around the focus areas of education, gender equity, and global citizenship. The Ali Center is formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, and in 2020, became one of the newest stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. The Center’s headquarters also contains an award-winning museum experience. For more information, please visit www.alicenter.org.

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Contact:  
Jeanie Kahnke                Scott Wegenast

Muhammad Ali Center                    AARP Kentucky
(502) 992-5301 direct                       (502) 287-2089 mobile
(502) 640-6077 mobile                     SWegenast@aarp.org
jkahnke@alicenter.org                    
www.alicenter.org