NGLCC and Pride Flags Flying at New York Stock Exchange
This was the first time in the NYSE's 217-year history that a pride flag and an LGBT organization flag had been flown. NGLCC and several organizational partners were at the NYSE to host "From Stonewall to Federal Hall," a half-day program to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots.
Kicking off the afternoon, the NGLCC leadership and colleagues-led by Co-Founders Chance Mitchell and Justin Nelson-rang the Closing Bell at the NYSE, bringing a day of positive trading to a close and continuing an important NGLCC tradition. Watch the video.
"It was an honor to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange," said Mitchell, NGLCC's CEO. "The first time was groundbreaking in 2005, and the opportunity to do it again in 2009 demonstrates the NYSE's continuing commitment to diversity and equality."
NGLCC's partners in the celebration were NGLCCNY, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, the National Black Justice Coalition, Lambda Legal, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, Parents Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the International Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, The Center: The NYC LGBT Community Center, Gays & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and Empire State Pride Agenda.
Ross Palombo from LOGO Television's 365 Gay News, powered by CBS, and Ronnie Kroell from Bravo's Make Me a Supermodel joined corporate employee resource group members, allied corporate champions, LGBT business owners and organizational leaders at the commemoration.
After the Closing Bell ceremony, NGLCC and its organizational partners hosted a symposium in the NYSE Boardroom. The discussion centered on the LGBT Movement and the 40 years of events and advocacy that have come after Stonewall.
Panelists included Nelson, Chris Crespo of Ernst & Young and an NGLCC board member, Jody Huckaby of Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Robert Woodworth of New York's LGBT Community Center. Palombo moderated the discussion.
During the discussion, Crespo pointed out that the LGBT business community has finally got a seat at the table, not only discussing the problems in the economy or the workplace but also helping craft solutions.
The day was capped off with a cocktail reception on the NYSE Trading Floor. The reception's highlight was a rousing speech from U.S. Rep. Eric Massa, D-NY. The crowd erupted in applause as Massa talked about his work in Congress pushing for equal rights for LGBT people and the importance of groups like the NGLCC in making that happen.
"This event just proves how far we've come," said Nelson, NGLCC's president. "The LGBT business community is a dynamic force for change in the business arena, and its influence and activities continue to expand." Nelson noted there is still much work to do and encouraged everyone at the event to work together to maintain the forward momentum.
Joining Nelson and Mitchell on the bell podium for the Closing Bell Ceremony were Alex Kelston of Goldman Sachs, Richard Oceguera, director of Membership and Corporate Outreach for NGLCCNY, Thomas Koveleskie of UBS and co-chair of NGLCCNY, NYSE Diversity Chair Robert Marchman, Robyn Streisand, president of Mixx and co-chair of NGLCCNY, Frank Kern and Mike Fuller, both of IBM, Walter Schubert, CEO of the Schubert Group and chairman of the NGLCC Board, Jody Huckabee, executive director of PFLAG, Crespo and Palombo.
