Care for Our People Story
Affirming the Rights and Contributions of LGBTQ+ Employees Across the Hallmark Enterprise
Pride Month 2020 was met with a pandemic, a recession and social unrest. But it was also met with an opportunity for Hallmark’s three brands – Hallmark, Crayola and Crown Media – to come together and collectively affirm and lift up all LGBTQ+ employees across our businesses. It was important to not only see Pride Month as a time to celebrate, but also to acknowledge the ongoing fight for civil rights. The centerpiece of the month was a panel discussion featuring stories and insights from members of our Crown Media family.
“Pride Month 2020 began in much the same way that it came into being in June of 1969 – with a protest against police brutality. Back then, the activists at Stonewall changed the face of the LGBT movement. In June 2020, as widespread protests continued to give voice to the injustices against Black Americans, our panel discussed the intersectionality between these two struggles and how we might use this moment as a catalyst for real change.”
Ted Stodolka
Vice President of Customer Care and Co-Organizer of the Panel Discussion
Hallmark
Even though the event was virtual, in many ways it brought Hallmark, Crayola and Crown Media employees closer and provided an opportunity to strengthen our community, increase our understanding and reinforce the right of every employee to be who they are.♦