Behind The Scenes

Team ESPN shares Dr. King’s message with Bristol Boys & Girls Club

Team ESPN, the network’s community outreach department, continued with its “Content of Character” initiative in February with a panel discussion at the Bristol Boys & Girls Club.

Students from various schools in the area were given an opportunity to meet ESPN employees who wanted to expound on Dr. Martin L. King Jr.’s message of equality.

The diverse panel included ESPN SportsCenter anchor Cole Wright with Charita Johnson (Vice President, Production Migration), Lynn Hoppes (Senior Director, ESPN.com’s Page 2), Danielle Summers (Business Operations Coordinator), Kevin Martinez (Senior Director, Corporate Outreach), Patricia Mays (Senior Director, Page 1) and Keith Reed (Senior Editor, ESPN The Magazine).

“Dr. King has had such an influence on my life. My father always instilled in me it’s not about the color of our skin, it is about the content of our character,” Wright said. “That’s something he always hammered home with me.”

Said Johnson: “Not only is it important to spread the messages, but we also needed to make sure the students understand the meaning of these ideals and how relevant they are in their lives today.”

The “Content of Character” initiative evolved from a programming idea to a series of community events. Similar events have been held this winter in the Bronx, Charlotte, N.C., and Pacoima, Calif.

“For the past two years, Community Outreach has partnered around the ‘Content of Character’ program and created events that have tentacles of education and engagement,” Johnson said.

“The executions of these events have been organic to the message, thus creating a powerful extension that our fans can feel and experience. ‘Content of Character’ has become a good model. This is another way to touch our fan base, from the screen to the communities. I’m certain there will be future opportunities to create similar experiences.”

Back to top button