There are many meaningful ways to celebrate Black History Month at work. From virtual events and workshops to booking influential speakers and fundraising, it’s a great time to raise awareness and educate within your organization.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the incredible achievements and contributions the Black community has made throughout U.S. history. Celebrated every February across the U.S. and Canada (and October in the UK), we believe Black History Month is an important opportunity to highlight diversity, inclusion, and education in the workplace.
This month (and every month) we encourage employers and employees to take time to learn how to become a better allies to the Black community around them. No matter where or how your team works, there are plenty of ways to recognize Black History Month in order to support and uplift Black voices and culture.
In this blog post, you’ll find:
- Ways to promote diversity in your organization all year round
- Corporate ideas for Black History Month
- Virtual Black History Month event ideas
Here is our list of impactful ideas to celebrate Black History Month at work in 2022.
Black History Month ideas and activities
1. Lead by example
Acknowledge your own privilege and educate yourself on the issues Black communities face before encouraging others to do the same. By taking the time to understand your own role in supporting Black communities you can provide insight to others from your own personal experience. Allow this to be a time where you listen to what Black communities need from you and your team, rather than leading the conversation.
Not sure where to start? Watch the below video for tips on being more inclusive and supportive to those around you.
2. Share resources and show support
Provide opportunities for your team to learn about Black history, culture, and initiatives in-depth. Understanding the inequality that Black communities continue to face and where this injustice has stemmed from is vital in helping teams understand their place in creating change.
Some excellent ways to start include reading 8 Ways to Honor Black History Month and listening to The 1619 Project by The New York Times.
You could start a weekly email where you share articles or open up a discussion about how you can make internal changes that better support diversity and equality.
Another option is to support Black businesses and initiatives. Whether it’s a locally owned restaurant or a nationwide initiative like the Loveland Foundation, being actively involved in supporting the Black community is a win for everyone.
3. Attend Virtual Events
Set aside time as a team to participate in an online event that is dedicated to learning about Black history. Collectively watching a documentary about social injustices or listening to discussions about events through the lens of the Black community provides opportunities to educate teams.
We recommend events by The National Museum of African American History and Culture.
4. Celebrate the accomplishments of the Black community
Share the stories of extraordinary Black individuals who have represented their community and excelled in their pursuits. Whether it be musicians, athletes, politicians, uplifting the achievements of the Black community is important in supporting Black voices. Start conversations within your team about Black icons who have pioneered for change and understand the depth of their accomplishments.
We recommend looking at Black Past as a resource for learning about Black icons.
Summary
Black History Month is just one month out of the year, and while awareness is one thing continual action is another. By starting with educating yourself and your team, you’re providing opportunities to minimize inequality and injustice within your own organization. Actively listen to Black voices, make an effort to support your local Black community, and help your team understand the current social issues Black communities face.
Most of all, let this be a time to celebrate Black voices. Be there to fully support the incredible achievements of the Black community around you year-round.
FAQS: Black History Month
What is Black History Month?
We believe the official Black History Month website explains this best;
"The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925 (...) The celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, the nation's bicentennial. President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Why should you celebrate Black History Month in the workplace?
Black History Month is a time where we celebrate the Black community around us, and that includes within the workplace. More than ever, it's important to understand and honor the cultural backgrounds of employees and make them feel valued and recognized (not just during Black History Month, but all year-round!)
What are the best ways to celebrate Black History month virtually?
We highly recommend visiting the following websites for information about organizations you can support while celebrating Black History Month:
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