The Call for Tolerance in the Aftermath of 9/11
Ernest Baynard brought a unique understanding of politics, policy and the media to my team. By working closely with Ernest, we were able to generate significant national media coverage for the issues I cared about most— his efforts and expertise played an important role in building my profile and securing my first re-election victory as a new Member of Congress.
- U.S. Congressman Michael M. Honda (D-CA)
The Challenge
On September 11, 2001 and the year following, Meridian Hill President, Ernest Baynard, served as Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA). Congressman Honda was deeply concerned about the deadly assaults on Sikhs and other people of color in the immediate aftermath of the attacks on America.
The Solution
Baynard and Honda conceived a unique initiative that called upon the National Football League (NFL) and other leading national sports leagues to use their brands and media capabilities to bring messages of tolerance directly to the American people. Baynard worked with the NFL to produce a nationally televised spot promoting racial tolerance. Please click here to view it (.mp4 video).
For their work, Baynard and Honda were both honored with a national award by the Sikh Coalition.
The Sikh Coalition Awards Banquet
