How To Celebrate Black History Month At Work
It’s February, and that means it’s Black History Month in the United States (and Canada).
Black History Month has become more widely honored and celebrated over the last few years, and it’s about time. There is a rich and diverse tapestry of Black experiences in American history.
Black History Month is all about spotlighting important figures from our past and present, acknowledging Black Americans’ contributions and achievements in culture, music, legislation, and literature. We focus on telling the untold stories that need to be more widely heard.
During February, there are a wide array of opportunities to learn more about Black American history. Museums have special exhibits, TV networks make specials, and social media campaigns offer interesting stories and images on Black excellence.
Many companies also mark the month with special initiatives for employees to appreciate its significance. Looking to celebrate Black History Month at your workplace?
Today we’re going to highlight some helpful tips for doing Black History Month right.
What Is Black History Month?
First, we thought it would be useful to take a look at how Black History Month came to be.
The annual observance was created to fill a void in the teaching of American history. As recently as a hundred years ago, most public schools’ history lessons were focused on the accomplishments of white Americans and Europeans.
The lens with which we look through history dramatically impacts the stories that we’re told. The real history of America is far more diverse and far richer than just the experiences of white people.
In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson sought to address this gap in schools. He developed and designated an annual event held in the second week of February known as “Negro History Week.”
This event was sponsored by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It cemented Black history as a worthy and serious focus of study. Woodson chose the month of February because it includes both Frederick Douglass’ and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays.
That week eventually evolved into a month-long celebration, with the first presidential acknowledgment of Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. By then, teachers, historians, and community leaders had championed the occasion, honoring both the accomplishments and the sacrifices made by the Black community in America.
(Note that in the United Kingdom, the month of October is set aside to officially celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans for Black History month).
During February, we recognize the rich tapestry of experiences and the multitude of contributions Black Americans have made towards society, including the fight for equality and topics like justice, art and music, and literature.
How To Honor and Celebrate Black History Month in the Workplace
If you’re in charge of leadership or human relations in your company, acknowledging Black History Month is a meaningful way to show your employees that everyone’s backgrounds are meant to be celebrated. This is an opportunity to show allyship.
The idea of being "colorblind" is antiquated and problematic. Rather than ignoring race and ethnic differences, we should be creating safe spaces where people feel free to share, embrace, and celebrate their backgrounds. In fact, studies show that when race is downplayed in the workspace, underrepresented individuals experience more bias from their white counterparts.
Honoring Black History Month is just one of many ways companies can start to address that imbalance and promote equity and equality. So with that said, let’s talk about how organizations can do that successfully.
Start Planning Ahead of Time
There’s nothing worse than a half-baked Black History Month celebration several weeks into February. You don’t want anyone to feel like your initiative is an afterthought.
Black History Month is the same month every year. Start working on your plans at least a few months in advance so you can coordinate speakers, alert employees well in advance, and give the celebration the significance it deserves. Most companies plan their holiday parties or summer outings well in advance of the date.
Treat Black History Month with the same, if not more, respect.
Don’t Single Anyone Out
Too often, Black employees are burdened with planning company-wide initiatives for Black History Month, regardless of whether or not they already have their hands full with their actual work. It bears reminding that it’s not Black employees’ responsibility to plan Black History Month initiatives.
You don’t want anyone to feel tokenized, meaning that their greatest value to the company is their skin color or ethnic background. Black History Month initiatives work best when everyone’s involved in learning and participating.
Leave the door open to any employees who want to help plan, but don’t expect or ask Black employees to be ready to jump in.
Do Your Research
The purpose of Black History Month from the beginning was to tell the stories of Black Americans and emphasize just how much the community has contributed to our society. That’s why education should be at the heart of your Black History Month campaign.
History is in the name for a reason! Research leaders, trailblazers, and groups that made their mark on American history, the ripple effect of which can still be felt today. Black History Month is absolutely an opportunity to talk about diversity and inclusion and address inequality in the workplace, but it’s first and foremost a chance to look back and celebrate.
Make It a Company-Wide Effort
No one sits out on Black History Month; that’s what we think. Making the workplace a more equitable place where everyone feels comfortable celebrating and sharing their personal backgrounds and insights should be everyone’s number one priority.
Encourage active employee engagement from everyone, including and perhaps most especially, the CEO, founder, and the rest of the leadership team.
Get Creative About Your Activities
Black History Month can mean so many different things. Instead of only hosting one event, see if you can integrate it seamlessly throughout February — and every other month, for that matter.
Here are some creative ideas for how you can mark the occasion:
Host a book club. Book clubs are a great way for the organization to learn together, outside of the regular tasks of their roles. Literature gives us a window into someone else's life, perspectives, and experience, and that’s really the same goal as Black History Month. During the month of February, focus on Black authors like James Baldwin, Roxane Gay, and Toni Morrison.
Bring a speaker in. If the spirit of Black History Month is to pass the mic to a different set of stories, what better way to do that than to literally pass the mic? Your platform is your power. Offer up the stage to Black entrepreneurs, artists, or public speakers. Even better, host multiple sessions or workshops so you can hear about a multitude of experiences.
Go For a Tour. There’s no part of this country that is untouched by Black History. Do some research about museums and historical sites near your office. Then, invite your company to visit and get an on-the-ground understanding of Black Americans’ contributions and culture.
If you’re working remotely, there are also great virtual tours and resources that you can explore (like a virtual tour of the National Museum of African American History).
Support Black mentorship. Many white people don’t understand just how difficult it is to break into certain circles if you’re Black, be they professional or personal.
Gatekeeping and unconscious bias keeps segregation and inequality alive. One thing you can do to help alleviate that issue is to work with young Black individuals and help them move ahead in their careers.
There are a number of mentorship organizations and nonprofits that are focused on giving everyone a seat at the table. Host 1:1 sessions and networking events. This is another initiative that’s most valuable when you do it all the time, and not just in February.
Take Real Action
As we’ve alluded to thus far, Black History Month is about more than just an Instagram post or update in the Slack channel. It’s a time for employees to thoughtfully engage with the community and its history.
It’s also an opportunity to do some good.
Backing Black-owned non-profit organizations during February solidifies your company’s commitment to a more equitable future. Do some volunteer work, host a fundraiser, or partner with a Historically Black college or university to build a scholarship program. Make connections and nurture them every month of the year.
Black History Is More Than Just One Month
On that note, our best advice for celebrating Black History Month is to ensure it’s not a novelty. There’s so much you can do throughout the year to honor the community and provide a safe space for everyone to show up as their full selves.
Think about it like this:
A diverse and supportive organization will honor and celebrate everyone’s background every single day. During months and holidays like Black History Month, Lunar New Year, and Juneteenth, we can put the spotlight on one specific community. But they’re always a part of the cast and onstage. Make sense?
Last Thoughts on Celebrating Black History Month at Work
There’s no one way to do Black History Month. Remember to be respectful, plan in advance, do your research, and get everyone involved. Black history is the backbone of American culture. We can’t truly try to improve and create a better future in this country until we really accept and honor the variety of experiences and stories within it.
Sources:
Here's the story behind Black History Month — and why it's celebrated in February | NPRCivil Rights Era
Why Color Blindness Is a Counterproductive Ideology | The Atlantic
18 Facts You Didn't Know About Black History Month | Reader's Digest