Policies & Issues

BIJC Has an I.D.E.A for Diversity Training in 2022

Policies & IssuesNov 23, 2021

BIJC Has an I.D.E.A for Diversity Training in 2022

Starting in January, the Black in Jewelry Coalition will host webinars on addressing racial injustice and encountering racism in retail.

20211124_Risha Grant Reggie Johnson.jpg
Risha Grant, left, and Reggie Johnson will host Jewelry Industry I.D.E.A. education webinars in early 2022. Grant’s will focus on confronting and moving beyond bias, while Johnson will lead a panel discussion on encountering racism in retail, both as an employee and as a customer.
New York—Early next year, the Black in Jewelry Coalition will host a pair of webinars designed to help members of the jewelry industry recognize and confront ingrained cultural biases that create problems in the workplace and the community at large. 
 
BIJC’s Jewelry Industry I.D.E.A. education program will launch in January and is designed to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equity for all. It is being presented in partnership with more than a half-dozen major industry organizations. 
 
“The jewelry industry’s leading organizations have joined forces with one common goal—to provide a complimentary inclusivity and diversity educational program designed to be accessible for everyone that works in the jewelry, gem and watch industry,” said BIJC President Annie Doresca. 
 
The program currently consists of two webinars that will be available to watch live or on-demand. All attendees who complete both sessions will receive a certificate. 
 
They are free of charge and available for replay through July. 
 
The sessions are as follows. 
 
“Get Rid of the BS”
Jan. 19, 2022, 2 p.m. EST 
Two days after Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Risha Grant, a renowned expert on diversity and inclusion, will host a webinar titled “Get Rid of the BS.” 
 
Known for her no-holds-barred style, Grant will tackle hard but necessary questions about how to address social unrest and racial injustice. She’ll also offer practical advice on how to confront biases to create more respectful, diverse, and inclusive communities. Register now for “Get Rid of the BS.”
 
“Encounters With Bias and Racism: A Panel Discussion” 
Feb. 16, 2022, 2 p.m. EST 
Reggie Johnson, chief diversity officer and senior vice president at Signet Jewelers and a BIJC director, will lead a panel discussion on bias and racism in a retail setting. Panelists will share first-person accounts of encountering racism both as a consumer and an employee, with the goal of showcasing how each encounter could have been avoided. 
 
 
Those who register will receive an email confirmation containing information on how to join the webinar.

 Related stories will be right here … 
 
The Jewelry Industry I.D.E.A. Training Program is offered by BIJC in partnership with the following industry organizations: the American Gem Society, Buyers Intelligence Group, Ethical Metalsmiths, Jewelers Board of Trade, Jewelers of America, Jewelers Vigilance Committee, Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America, Responsible Jewellery Council and the Women’s Jewelry Association. 
 
For more information on the program, visit the I.D.E.A. section of the BIJC website.
 
Formed in the summer of 2020 amid the racial reckoning that started in the United States and spread worldwide, the Black in Jewelry Coalition is the first international nonprofit membership organization for the advancement of Black professionals in the gem, jewelry, and watch industry. 

The Latest

Gina Drosos, Joan Hilson, and Jamie Singleton
EditorsMar 18, 2024
Q&A: Signet CEO Gina Drosos on Natural Diamonds

Drosos shared her top takeaways from a recent Botswana trip and her insights into the natural diamond market.

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Launches Inaugural Scholarship

The deadline to apply is March 29.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Arkansas crater of diamonds eclipse tickets
SourcingMar 15, 2024
Crater of Diamonds State Park Selling Eclipse Tickets

Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingMar 14, 2024
De Beers Says Retailers Are ‘Restocking Conservatively’

The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Hedda Schupak
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2024
WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor

It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

Cynthia Erivo
EditorsMar 11, 2024
This Year’s Oscars Jewelry Was the Definition of Glamour

Vibrant gemstones, layered diamond pieces and brooches with a story stole the show.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy