Pfizer Celebrates Legacy, Justice, and Equity

Pfizer colleagues reflected on the significance of the Martin Luther King, Jr holiday and Black History Month with a series of events organized by members of Pfizer’s Global Black Community (GBC). These events, which included discussions, panels, and community-based gatherings, embraced the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and paid tribute to those who have helped shape the past, present, and future of the Black community, guided by principles of justice, equity, and inclusion.

The celebration commenced with a heartfelt acknowledgment of how our Black colleagues are actively shaping Pfizer’s future. Their dedication to excellence enriches the fabric of our company and propels our mission forward.

GBC Executive Sponsor and Pfizer’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Doug Lankler, aptly framed the company’s commitment to those colleagues, stating, “It’s part of our DNA to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, not just at Pfizer, but with the patients we serve.”

One of the standout moments from the month was a panel discussion featuring distinguished African American women presidents from three historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Together, Dr. Tashni‑Ann Dubroy, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Howard University, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President, Benedict College, and Dr. Paulette Dillard, President, Shaw University.  delved into the enduring impact of Dr. King's advocacy for justice and equity, highlighting the pivotal role of education and empowerment in effecting positive, generational change.  

The concept of “equity in action” reverberated throughout all of the events. Colleagues from multiple Pfizer sites partnered with the renowned organization "Rise Against Hunger" to pack 10,000 meals per site, addressing food insecurity on a global scale. This collaboration will sustain 47 children for an entire school year, a testament to our collective impact.

“It was a great feeling of gratification and joy to see so many smiling faces packaging meals with deep empathy and care,” said Sharee Adams-Hall, Senior Scientist, Chem-Analytical, Pfizer Research and Development and GBC St. Louis Site Lead.

In Kalamazoo, our colleagues embarked on a project serving underserved members of the community by constructing a pergola and gazebo for the Ecumenical Senior Center. This center, rooted in historical significance, serves a predominantly African American senior population, and embodies our commitment to community empowerment.

Another highlight was the Safe Place for Our Girls (SP4OG) program, in Pearl River, where colleagues and students engaged in enriching career discussions in partnership with Kool Nerd Connect (KNC). Additionally, at our global headquarters in New York City, high school students participated in workshops that focused on the role social media plays in our industry, and on the development of innovative medicines, fostering inspiration and connection among all who participated.

The culmination of our month-long series was a Black History Month program in our NYC HQ, which honored our past, celebrated our present, and envisioned our future.  

During the program, Dr. Patrice Harris, the first African American woman to serve as President of the American Medical Association, and keynote speaker Anton Gunn, former advisor to President Barack Obama, shared their insights and reminded colleagues to lead with authenticity and purpose.  

“I can take the best of others, learn from them, and incorporate what feels authentic to me,” Dr. Harris says. “So, stand in your authentic voice, always.”

Kristeena Wright, Sr. Process Engineer - Gene Therapy, PGS, GBC Sanford Site Lead, and colleague panelist, agrees, and she emphasized the value of the program’s central themes of authenticity and belonging. “Being your authentic self – that’s what GBC and (Pfizer’s other) Colleague Resource Groups are to me.”

Here at Pfizer, we’re dedicated to fostering an environment where all colleagues are free to be their authentic selves, and bring their unique perspectives to bear on the work that we do. Those diverse perspectives were on display throughout Black History Month, but we aim to celebrate them all year long.