UPS book highlights challenges faced by Black VPs in corporate America

“Black Voices from Big Brown,” a book project commissioned by the UPS African American Business Resource Group, was originally intended as a simple Black History Month project recognizing the achievements of current and former UPSers. It took on new meaning and significance following the deaths of several African Americans across the country at the hands of the police.

The book was launched on Jan. 28 during a live kickoff event with pre-recorded sections on a one-hour Zoom call. The live event was attended by more than 1,400 people out of 1,600 who registered for either the live event or Zoom attendance.

UPS’ goal was to honor the achievements and contributions of 29 people who reached VP level and above at UPS and allow them to talk openly about the racial challenges and inequities Black people face in corporate America. The shipping company also wanted to position itself as a leader in diversity and inclusion during a pivotable moment in U.S. history.

UPS published a hard copy coffee table book, along with an e-book containing downloadable interviews. The book’s website has full podcasts for the interviews.

The book got hundreds of orders through the UPS website and Amazon.com. Immediate and positive reviews appeared on LinkedIn. The company got immediate feedback from UPSers on its internal website and social channels, The Atlanta Business Chronicle wrote a series of articles about the book and interviewed several honorees on a podcast; other media outlets also ran interviews about the book.

Congratulations to Doug Daley, April Nelson, Jayson Martin, Carlton Rose and Juan Perez.