Inclusion
Cynthia Jordan Benjamin
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United States Army Reserves Cold War Veteran, 1984-1991, Rank: SGT E-5 Photojournalist
Senior Director/News Learning, Content Division
Talk to me about a place where you can be yourself.
The place where I can be myself is in my kitchen with my family. I’m cooking and we are catching up with the news of the week and stories, especially stories about people like us and what has happened in our community. We’re discussing Black culture and Black pain, the latest from the Shade Room, what’s streaming, what controversial thing Stephen A. Smith said, how the Bills played this week, how Josh Allen played — all that!
OK, if you were to win an award, what would your walk-up song be?
1-2-3 Victory by Kirk Franklin. I love that song.
I like the bassline and just love the beat. Kirk Franklin is a phenomenal musician and a creative songwriter and gospel lyricist. The lyrics can be a pick-me-up no matter what my circumstances. I also listened to rock music and pop while in the military. Fast music is super uplifting for me.
How would you describe the culture at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøapp?
Evolving.
I would describe the culture at ºÚÁÏÉçÇøapp as evolving. We have come a long way, and that’s a long answer, but I’ve been with ºÚÁÏÉçÇøapp for 30 years as of August (2023). I have seen a lot. I think particularly now (that the culture is evolving) because there are some thoughts around self-care and the longevity of our careers. What I’m loving is that inclusion is not just Black and white anymore. When I started, that’s exactly what it was. But now we’re talking about military veterans, LGBTQ+ communities, gender [and more].
If you could talk about something for 30 minutes without preparation, what would it be?
Black Women.
I would talk about the plight and the journey of Black women in this country, from Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman to Maya Angelou and Michelle Obama. I find Black women are extraordinary individuals because this is my day-in, day-out lived experience. Black women helped build America and shouldered many burdens along the way, yet we are among the most underrecognized and underappreciated people. So, though I do not speak for all Black women, I speak for or in favor of the advancement of Black women.
What was your biggest or most meaningful teachable moment?
Some of my best lessons in life come from observing kids and how they act and react to things. Like, my child was feeling sick some years ago. The pediatrician said he was fine. I rubbed his back, gave him his favorite toy and meal, held him on my lap, pacified him in every way I could think. Even with the doctor standing there, he kept crying. Eventually I put him on the floor. Not two minutes later, he was running around playing. I learned so many lessons – mainly, that while I am giving my all, the other person may not need that. Also, giving my best is all I can do. I can inspire and suggest, but I can’t make someone else stand up and walk.
