We are thrilled to announce that Andrew Bergman, Chief Advancement Officer at OIC Philadelphia, has been appointed to Mayor Cherelle Parker's LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission. This prestigious appointment, made on Friday, October 4th places Andrew among 19 distinguished individuals chosen to advise on matters affecting Philadelphia's LGBTQ+ community.
Andrew's appointment is not just a personal achievement but a continuation of OIC Philadelphia's long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment traces back to our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, whose pioneering work in economic empowerment and social justice continues to inspire our mission today.
"Friday was particularly eventful," Andrew shared. "In the morning, I was honored to be one of 19 individuals appointed to Mayor Cherelle Parker's LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission—a role that allows me to continue advocating for inclusivity and equity in our city."
Andrew's new role on the LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission aligns perfectly with the Sullivan Principles, a set of guidelines developed by Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan to promote equal rights and social justice. These principles, which originally focused on ending workplace discrimination and promoting equal opportunities, have evolved to encompass broader issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
As Andrew notes, "This appointment ties directly to the legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan, whose work in economic empowerment and the Sullivan Principles promoting DEI continue to guide us today."
It's crucial to recognize how the concept of DEI has expanded since Dr. Sullivan's groundbreaking work. In Dr. Sullivan's era, the focus was primarily on racial and gender equality, addressing the pressing civil rights issues of the time. Today, our understanding of DEI has broadened significantly to encompass a wider range of identities and experiences, including those of the LGBTQ+ community.
This evolution reflects our growing awareness that true equality and inclusion must consider the full spectrum of human diversity. While Dr. Sullivan's principles laid the foundation for workplace equality, today's DEI initiatives, including Andrew's work on the LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission, build upon this legacy to ensure that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal opportunities and protections.
The expansion of DEI to explicitly include LGBTQ+ individuals represents a natural progression of Dr. Sullivan's vision. It acknowledges that the fight for equality and justice is ongoing and must adapt to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by different communities.
At OIC Philadelphia, we see Andrew's appointment as a bridge between our organization's historic roots in social justice and our ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive Philadelphia. By serving on this commission, Andrew will bring OIC Philadelphia's perspective to critical discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, while also gaining valuable insights to inform our own programs and initiatives.
We believe that true economic empowerment can only be achieved in a society that values and includes all its members. Andrew's role on the LGBTQ+ Advisory Commission will help ensure that the voices and needs of the LGBTQ+ community are heard and addressed at the highest levels of city government, furthering our mission of comprehensive inclusion.
As we celebrate this appointment, we also look forward to the positive impact it will have on our work at OIC Philadelphia. Andrew's involvement with the commission will undoubtedly enrich our understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in accessing education, employment, and other opportunities.
This appointment represents an opportunity to further expand our DEI initiatives, ensuring that our programs and services are truly inclusive of all Philadelphians, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. It's a testament to how far we've come in our understanding of diversity and inclusion, and a reminder of the work that still lies ahead.
We invite our community to join us in congratulating Andrew Bergman on this significant appointment. Together, we continue to work towards Reverend Dr. Sullivan's vision of a more just and equitable society for all, now expanded to encompass the full spectrum of human diversity.
