January 20, 2012

Central Intelligence Agency Director David H. Petraeus and Associate Deputy Director Sue Bromley joined CIA employees at a ceremony at CIA Headquarters on 12 January in celebration of the life and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event featured a keynote from Ms. Della Britton Baeza, President and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, an organization that provides mentoring and college scholarships to disadvantaged highly motivated students throughout the United States. The United States Army Brass Quintet provided music for the event.

Director Petraeus opened his remarks by expressing gratitude that so many Agency officers had taken the time to “reflect on Dr. King and his role in peacefully advancing the causes of freedom and equality.” He went on to say of Dr. King that, “The high ideals that he championed made America a more perfect union, one that I think we are all proud here to help safeguard through our work at the Central Intelligence Agency.”

Baeza spoke passionately about the lives of both Robinson and Dr. King, noting how their differences faded in comparison to their shared dedication to civil rights. She urged those in attendance to live their own lives with the same dedication. “May we resolve to carry forward these two men’s great legacies of courage and make their lives of sacrifice mean even more. Let’s muster up the courage to practice compassion in our daily lives in little and big ways.” She went on to say “If we simply stop more often and invoke the attitude and philosophy embraced by Dr. King, we may not only serve others, but we may ourselves realize more fulfillment than we thought possible.”

The Agency’s Center for Mission Diversity and Inclusion (CMDI) hosted the event and presented certificates of appreciation to Baeza and the Army Brass Quintet after the ceremony. CMDI is the Agency’s focal point on matters of workforce diversity and inclusion. Among several initiatives, throughout the year CMDI sponsors a variety of programs that are open to all employees which help the Agency attract, develop, engage, and retain employees with the critical skills, knowledge, cultural background, and abilities it needs to meet mission requirements.