Eastman Chemical : 2021, Jan 29 - Eastman celebrates Black History Month with virtual speaker series

'Imagine a World Where…' theme challenges audience to consider what's possible

KINGSPORT, Tenn., January 29, 2021 - Eastman will celebrate Black History Month in February with a series of events centered around the theme of 'Imagining a World Where…' All the events will be virtual and viewable by Eastman employees and the general public.

'We are so excited to have this lineup of speakers for Black History Month,' said Elaine Stallworth Washington, global chair of Connect, the Eastman Resource Group tapping into the African American and Black community. 'While we certainly would have preferred to have in-person events, we think our employees and the community will appreciate the variety of perspectives we're showcasing. These are important voices to hear at this time in the history of our company and community. We're looking forward to a great February.'

All the programs will be streamed live to Eastman's Facebook page, facebook.com/EastmanChemicalCo

The lineup of events includes:

Thursday, February 4, 6 p.m. EST - 'What is Black History Month? Slavery to Today, Imagining a World Where...'

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​ Dr. Claybourne Carson has devoted most of his professional life to the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and the movements King inspired. He is the director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. He will be discussing a review of why we celebrate Black History Month and how it can shape conversations around current issues.

Thursday, February 11, 6 p.m. EST - 'Life Story - Imagining a World of Firsts'

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​ Nikki Giovanni is a poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, and a native of Knoxville, Tenn. Her accomplishments include, but are not limited to, being awarded 7 NAACP Image awards, being nominated for a Grammy, becoming a finalist for the National Book Award, authoring 3 New York Times and Los Angeles Times Best Sellers, and being a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech.

Thursday, February 18, 6 p.m. EST - 'Black Heritage, 'What If?' and Imagining A World Where…'

​	​Spruell Driver was the first African American attorney hired by Eastman. He is a Contract Officer at Vanderbilt University's Sponsored Programs Administration office. Driver will talk about his distinguished career in Tennessee law.

Thursday, February 25 6 p.m. EST - 'Aspiration of an African American child who dreams 'What if?''

Christopher Young is a designer for the Ford Motor Company. He worked on the recently released 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and drew inspiration from Ford's first Black auto designer.

About Eastman

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in more than 100 countries and had 2020 revenues of approximately $8.5 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 14,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Media Contact:

Brad Belote

423-229-8801 / [e-mail]