The DiCE Group
The Diversity Community Exchange (DiCE) Group
NOTE: The DiCE Group's first book, The Diversity Calling: Building Diverse Communities One Story at a Time is now available.
The DiCE Group: (Seated from left to right) Juan T. Lopez, Marvin R. Smith, & Sidalia G. Reel; (Standing) Nadia Younes, Tommy E. Smith, Jr., Joe-Joe McManus, Simma Lieberman, Santalynda Marrero, and Sonny Massey
As a group of concerned Diversity professionals and champions, the DiCE Group seeks to create a community committed to holistically nourishing each others personal and professional lives. Through learning derived from the exchange of ideas, resources, and experiences and through our own individual development, we hope to impact and improve the field of Diversity by exporting and replicating these practices to other venues, organizations and individuals.
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In Memorium: Marvin R. Smith & Floyd "Sonny" Massey, III
Marvin, Joe-Joe, and Sonny
Marvin R. Smith (1941-2006)
Our fearless brother, Marvin R. Smith, passed on from this life before he was able to commit the thrilling remainder of this chapter of his story to writing. We know from his widow, Delores, that he and the other eight officers, known as the Richmond Nine, courageously went forward with their grievance and that ultimately, the ruling was in their favor.
Marvin left the Richmond Police Department in 1970 and joined the San Francisco Housing Authority. In 1978, Marvin came to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he directed the Office of Equal Opportunity. Marvin eventually went on to serve in a management capacity in the laboratory’s security organization and ended his laboratory career in 2003 as the business affirmative action officer.
Through all these positions, this larger-than-life man with the ready smile, deep laugh, and powerful soul never ceased to be a tireless champion for and example of the promise and beauty of diversity. We continue to miss him, but we are convinced that his spirit and legacy live on through his words, deeds, and the powerful impact he had on us all.
Floyd "Sonny" Massey, III (1946-2009)
Floyd “Sonny” Massey, our joyful brother, passed on shortly after completing his chapter for the DiCE Group's upcoming book, The Diversity Calling. His extraordinary spirit, great wit, and kind heart set Sonny apart. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, and they were genuine.
Sonny's daughter Kia read, To the Man Who Stepped into My Life and Became My Dad, by Janet Kostelecky Nieto at his sixtieth birthday party. This beautiful poem expresses so well a daughter’s love and appreciation. It also provides a glimpse into what a fabulous person Sonny was. It was his spirit and his love that made the greatest impact. We miss him dearly.
