BJKLI 2018 – Annual Symposium
“Champions of Equality; Open for Change”
New York, September 6, 2018
The Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative partnered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to host the 5th annual BJKLI Symposium at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the US Open and 45 years of equal prize money at the US Open. Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of Disney, and Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts received the BJKLI’s annual “Inspiring Leader” awards.
The 50th Anniversary of the US Open served as the ideal backdrop for the event. Throughout its history, the US Open has championed individuals who have stood for social change, both on and off the tennis court, from Arthur Ashe, to Billie Jean King, to the players holding the torch today. 2018 also marks the 45th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open, as in 1973, the tournament became the first Grand Slam to give the same amount to the winners of both the men’s and women’s events.
The Symposium kicked off with a performance by Chloe Arnold and the Syncopated Ladies who use tap dancing as a medium to convey messages about equity and inclusion.
The crowd in attendance was welcomed by Billie Jean King, Founder, BJKLI, and Katrina Adams, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA.
“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the US Open, the USTA is proud of the tournament’s history and legacy as a leader in equality for all individuals. We are proud to stand side by side with civil rights pioneer and tennis champion Billie Jean King, after whom we named this very facility, as she continues to push the envelope for change.” Adams said.
King commended the efforts of the USTA and all the corporate partners who supported the Symposium, “We are proud to stand with the USTA and all the great companies who support the BJKLI. Together we are refusing to stand on the sidelines and are pushing the ball forward for positive change,” King said.
Jan Jones, EVP of Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility, Caesars Entertainment, and Lucy Lee Helm, Executive Vice President and Chief Partner Officer, Starbucks addressed attendees at the Symposium and talked about the efforts underway for gender equity and inclusion at both Caesars and Starbucks. Both companies have been working with the BJKLI over the past year.
King and Ilana Kloss, Co-Founder, BJKLI, recognized Robin Roberts, Anchor, Good Morning America with a BJKLI “Inspiring Leader” award for her dedication to authentic reporting and representation of at-risk communities. Roberts, upon receiving the award commented “there are too few places where constructive dialogue is moving the needle on equity and inclusion. I am so grateful to stand beside changemakers like Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, and the team at the BJKLI in their quest for equality for all.”
Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO, Disney was also recognized by King and Kloss with a BJKLI “Inspiring Leader” award for his bravery, tenacity, and leadership across one of the most influential mediums in entertainment. “When Bob makes a move the world reacts, and he has used his power and platform to rally for greater representation of people of color on screen and stand up against bigotry and hate,” King said when presenting the award.
Following the Inspiring Leader award presentation, Iger and King joined the BJKLI advisory board member and CNN International correspondent, Christiane Amanpour for a constructive conversation on authentic leadership and standing firm against bias. During the conversation Iger stated that “relying on the status quo for equality is no longer acceptable and leaders in positions of power must use their platform to impact change.”
The Symposium ended with Billie Jean King and Christiane Amanpour encouraging people to take “inclusion lanyards” and wear them to the Women’s Semifinals in order to ignite conversations on issues of equity and inclusion. The “inclusion lanyards” have been a feature at the BJKLI symposiums in the past and prove to be a powerful medium to advocate for action.