Hyatt Hotels' executive Tyronne Stoudemire thinks we can solve racism with chocolate milk.
Chicago Tribune reports that Stoudemire enlisted Illinois governor Bruce Rauner for a demonstration that uses chocolate syrup and milk at a recent Black History Month event focusing on encouraging diversity in the workplace.
"The chocolate syrup represents diversity," said Stoudemire, explaining it like a weird communion. "When you look at most organizations, diversity sits at the bottom of the organization. You don't get inclusion until you actually stir it up."
As he was explaining, he and Rauner put together the concoction right before Rauner took a sip. "It’s really, really good," said Rauner. "Diversity!"
"Diversity is the mix, and inclusion is making the mix work," explained Stoudemire.
Stoudemire, who is black, told the Tribune he's been using this analogy for 16 years during presentations with Fortune 500 companies. He also revealed that Rauner "didn’t know what he was getting into" when he called him onstage.
While the idea could be seen as odd, Rauner’s spokeswoman Rachel Bold gave a generic statement on the ordeal. "This was the event moderator’s example of diversity that an audience of all ages could see and understand," she said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "It was one of two demonstrations at the event, both of which received ovations from the crowd."
As for Stoudemire, he's giving Rauner credit for sticking with him through the exchange. "I give him credit for his willingness to step up and put himself out there...he could have said, 'No.'" True.
