Mississippi Honors Those Who Made Diversity A Top Priority

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Individuals and corporations throughout Mississippi, who have made diversity a top priority, were honored in Tupelo, on Saturday evening.

The fifth annual “Our Mississippi Honors” drew hundreds to the BancorpSouth Conference Center.

Ten corporations, several individuals, and a businesswoman of the year were recognized for encouraging diversity and inclusion.

Guest speaker for the evening was Louis Gossett, Junior.

He is the first African American male to win the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”

“Well, it’s important all of these organizations honoring diversity. They are on the right track, so is my industry, Screen Actors Guild, so is NFL, baseball, basketball, everywhere. We’re going in the right direction. It makes you take a deep breath and congratulate them for their diversity,” says Guest speaker, Louis Gossett, Junior.

“There’s not an ounce of the globe our company doesn’t cover, through our organization and dealer network, and we feel that a reflection of our customers in that diverse world should also be a reflection of the people we hire and work with throughout the globe,” says Caterpillar employee, Trent Tippey.

“Anytime we can get together and work together to reach a common goal, it makes us all better. We learn to respect each other in our differences and work towards a common goal and make Mississippi better,” says Event chairman, Wesley Wells.

Dak Prescott also received a Legendary Achievement Award, but he had a prior commitment.

“Our Mississippi Honors” is a project of “Our Mississippi Magazine.”