The article discusses the history of Jack Daniel’s whiskey and its ties to a former slave named Nathan “Nearest” Green, who taught Jack Daniel how to distill whiskey. Green was a skilled master distiller who shared his expertise with Daniel, and their partnership was instrumental in the success of the Jack Daniel’s brand. Despite Green’s significant contributions to the company, his story was largely overlooked until recent years.
In an effort to address and acknowledge this history, the Jack Daniel’s company launched the Nearest Green Foundation in 2017, which aims to honor Green’s legacy and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the whiskey industry. However, the company has recently faced criticism for its handling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, with some accusing the company of retreating from its commitments to these initiatives.
The article highlights specific instances where Jack Daniel’s has faced backlash for its DEI efforts, including the discontinuation of a series of limited-edition bottles that featured Black master distillers and a lack of transparency around the company’s diversity hiring practices. Critics argue that the company’s actions do not align with its stated commitment to DEI, and that it is important for Jack Daniel’s to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion within its organization.
Overall, the article underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of individuals like Nathan “Nearest” Green, and the need for companies like Jack Daniel’s to actively engage in and support DEI initiatives within their organizations. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing work that is still needed to promote diversity and inclusion in the whiskey industry and beyond.
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