Celebrate Black History Month at Work
February 12, 2024
Black History Month is an important annual observance that recognizes African American history and achievement. It was first proposed in 1969 by Black students and teachers at Kent State University, subsequently becoming more widely celebrated on other campuses and in other contexts. Recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 as an opportunity for all to celebrate the past and present contributions of Black Americans, it has been observed nationwide each February ever since. This year, President Biden issued a proclamation urging “all the people of the United States to observe this month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
Each year, a Black History Month theme is announced by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” The theme provides a backdrop to explore the contributions of Black artists past and present in the fields of literature, music, dance, film, architecture, fashion, cuisine, visual arts, craft, and so on. Black History Month provides context for the lives and work of Black artists through the lens of African American history and the experience of being a Black artist in America.
Observing this year’s Black History Month is a great opportunity to acknowledge African American employees, celebrate diversity and inclusion, and enjoy some of the many cultural and artistic contributions of Black Americans.
Here are some ways to enjoy Black History Month in your workplace:
- Support a local Black visual artist/s by hosting an exhibition of their work in your workplace.
- Have a “One Book” event, where everyone in the organization is encouraged to read the same book by a Black author and participate in small-group discussions about it.
- Sponsor an extracurricular activity like a concert, museum excursion, or dance performance that’s relevant to this year’s African Americans and the Arts theme.
- Include pertinent inspirational quotes, pictures, excerpts, etc. from historical or current Black artists and their work in the organization newsletter.
- Distribute an African Americans and the Arts quiz.
- Initiate a mentoring program for Black employees.
- Review and evaluate your organization’s hiring and other practices to ensure they’re without racial bias.
Celebrating Black History Month at work increases awareness and understanding, aids in team building, and provides a great excuse for some educational and fun activities!