What We Do

Messages from our Co-Founders

My name is Bernice Carnegie, and in the 1930s, 40s and 50s, my late father, Herb Carnegie, was an anomaly in semi-pro hockey. As recounted in thousands of articles, books and documentaries, this black trailblazer had an outstanding 17-year career in semi-pro hockey playing on predominantly all-white teams. Like the title of his autobiography, he was “A Fly in a Pail of Milk.” Was racism a factor back then? It sure was!

We invite you to follow Herb Carnegie’s lead by supporting the goals of The CI project that aim to pass the puck forward to build a hockey legacy that strives to unify humanity through initiatives that foster inclusion and acceptance.

Hi. My name is Bryant McBride. I’m the Co-Chairman of The Carnegie Initiative. The Carnegie Initiative was built to grow the game of hockey; to increase the acceptance and belonging in the game. I got the opportunity to play at a very young age and it changed the trajectory of my life. It’s an opportunity that all kids should get — Kids of all backgrounds, all colors, all differences.

The game is an opportunity to learn how to win, to learn how to lose, to learn how to overcome obstacles. It’s a great equalizer for kids of all ages of all backgrounds. And every opportunity that we get to accelerate that growth, that acceptance, is something that we’re going to pursue. We welcome your help in doing that. Thank you again for supporting The Carnegie Initiative and we look forward to working with you.

What We Do

The Carnegie Initiative (CI), as an independent entity that operates as a charitable organization in the United States and Canada, that commits to: 

• Ensure that hockey is inclusive, supportive and welcoming to all 

• Examine the efforts of governing bodies and other stewards of the game to make hockey more diverse and inclusive 

• Use rigorous academic research to identify and help solve the sport’s biggest issues 

• Shine a light on success stories and best practices 

• Create substantive, sustainable, and authentic change at scale 

The Carnegie Initiative (The CI), named in honor of legendary hockey player and social justice pioneer Herb Carnegie, was established in 2021 to ensure that hockey is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to all. Co-founded by Bernice Carnegie and Bryant McBride, and in conjunction with diverse stakeholders, The CI aims to accelerate the work started by Hockey Hall of Famer Herb Carnegie (photo right) nearly 70 years ago to make hockey more diverse and inclusive. In short, with the help of our partners and supporters, The CI is changing the culture of hockey.

The CI unites others working to make the game more welcoming. This is achieved through our annual Summit, academic grants, events, programs, the prestigious Herbert Carnegie Trailblazer Awards that are presented annually, grassroots efforts, our newsletter, film initiatives, media exposure, social media platforms, and website.

Donate Today

As a non-profit organization, The CI welcomes and appreciates donations, large and small, that help us continue our important work. Please consider a donation now.