During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Anita Gore. Anita is Senior Manager of Compliance and Systems Integration for Hanes, a division of L&P. She’s been with Hanes for nearly 22 years.

“In my role, I work to review and verify that our internal processes adhere to our company policies and procedures. My position allows me to learn everything from product pricing to shipping and receiving. Every day is a new learning experience! 

In life, I am most proud of my family, who has supported me throughout my career. My parents provided a firm foundation and made sacrifices to allow me to flourish. I am proud of how tight-knit and supportive we are of each other.

Black History Month is a platform to reflect on the struggles and accomplishments of Black women and men everywhere. U.S. history spent many years denying the achievements and accomplishments of Black people in America, and February brings those achievements to the forefront. It is a time to recognize and pay homage to those who paved the way for future Black engineers, scientists, doctors, businesspeople. 

This month concentrates on Black history to allow African American children to see that they have role models who look like them. When I reflect, I consider myself fortunate to have grown up with my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. I got firsthand knowledge of the struggles during segregation and the continued inequality that exists in America. 

This month, I’m reminded of the strength of trailblazers who came before me and how their hard work allowed me to have opportunities to excel. Failure to take advantage of those opportunities is a disparagement to my ancestors.

Black History month is a reminder that there is still a glass ceiling for Black people. The ceiling is moving upward and there are cracks and holes in the glass that have allowed some to move higher. We still have work ahead to gain true equality, but I am proud of the progress made. My responsibility now is to continue that progress and be a mentor to other Black individuals.”    

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Antonio Mitchell. He is Warehouse Operations Manager for Hanes Geo Components in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He has been with L&P since 2004.

“When I started in the Hanes Dye & Finishing division, I was a Pad Inspector. I have been promoted into various roles over the years – Forklift Operator, Cycle Counter, and Shipping/Production Supervisor to name a few.

Now, as Operations Manager, what I enjoy most about my job is traveling to other locations and meeting new faces under the Hanes Geo umbrella. This allows me to continue to sharpen my career skills to become a better employee and manager. I also love the new adventures of day-to-day operations and seeing ideas and plans come together.

February means a lot to me. The first thing that comes to my mind is the continuous change happening throughout the world. It’s a month to create opportunity and be great at all we do.

I am thankful every day for what our ancestors, activists, scientists, and inventors have contributed to the world as a whole. From Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks who galvanized the civil rights movement, to Madam C.J. Walker and George Washington Carver who became self-made millionaires. From Langston Hughes, a famous poet in the Harlem Renaissance, to Carter G. Woodson, a famous scholar, educator, and publisher, to Thurgood Marshall, the first African American appointed to Supreme Court – without those who sacrificed before me, there would be no me. Celebrating Black history is every day for me.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Portia Phifer, HR and Safety Manager at our Flooring Products facility in Statesville, North Carolina. She has worked with us for 4 years.

“As HR and Safety Manager, I most enjoy meaningful interactions with our people. If there are issues that they need help with, I am here to assist them. I pride myself on being approachable and easy to talk to. I even keep a dish of Life Savers on my desk as a reminder that I will definitely try to be a ‘life saver’ to my colleagues and in matters at our workplace.

I am most proud that while I didn’t take a traditional route of furthering my education, I was able to complete two degrees as a working adult.

I am excited that Leggett & Platt sees the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans. We benefit from many inventions on a daily basis that were directly contributed by African Americans. While I try to reflect on the history of African Americans on a consistent basis, this month’s acknowledgments and celebrations make me proud of the contributions made by people like me.

I think it’s important for my grandchildren to understand that they stand on the shoulders of great men and women, and they can accomplish great things as well.”

During Black History Month, we’re inviting L&P employees to share about what inspires them most.

Meet Marché Favors. She is a Senior HR Generalist at one of our Elite Comfort Solutions (ECS) facilities. She has worked with us for 5 years.

“In my role, I enjoy working with people and assisting employees through the hiring process and watching their development in their respective roles. My role is important because I engage with employees from the start of their employment journey with ECS. I introduce them to the company and remain connected throughout to assist as needed.

Celebrating Black history in February is special. It gives me a sense of pride to know that I have the opportunity to excel and to be successful in life. I am truly thankful to those who came before me and sacrificed in so many ways.”