5 Above And Beyond Ideas For Celebrating Black History Month In 2023!

The late Marcus Garvey said, "A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots." Those profound words should serve as an impetus for pausing to recognize the significance of Black History Month, some 47 years since recognized in the United States. In the 2023 Presidential Proclamation for Black History Month, President Biden highlights intentionality for recognizing the contributions of Black Americans and touches on strategic actions to rectify challenges (i.e., race discrimination, policing, voting, business development, and education opportunities) that the Black community continues to face. Finally, it is closed out with an urging for acknowledgment and celebration across the United States. Below is a list of ideas on how inclusive leaders can meaningfully celebrate black history month.

Ideas on How To Celebrate Black History Month

Kudos to those committed to carving out time and resources to acknowledge and celebrate Black History past, present, and future. Daily, we have access to windows that expand our knowledge of our history. For example, thanks to media outlets, we get stories about history in the making and detailed accounting of injustices occurring. Additionally, thanks to programming outlets, we have shows like Netflix's Amend, Hulu's the 1619 project, and even shows targeted to young people (Disney's Proud Family) to fill cultural education gaps. As such, inclusive leaders today can be well-equipped to impart and influence change. Below are some tips to consider for a more significant impact this Black History Month:

1. Acknowledge Black History Month personally and not just professionally. Commit to being an inclusive leader inside and outside of the organization. Try on the words, Happy Black History Month. Reflect on opportunities to remind others of the significance of Black History Month. Let differing identities be a non-issue for action. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said, "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
2. Get clarity on the rationale and commitment for Black History Month. What is the goal? What is the priority? Will it meet the needs of all stakeholders, or is it intended to satisfy leadership and external stockholders? Once clear, communicate accordingly to manage expectations.
3. Choose meaningful programming. Welcome diverse perspectives to make decisions on offerings. Embrace the Black History Month theme and bring it to life. This year's theme is resistance. Consider having conversations and listening sessions to unpack what resistance means for the organization's community and its members.
4. Commit to beyond February. We are long past the moment where tactical trumps strategic commitments. One-off events are admirable but disjointed. Double down on ongoing education, advocacy, partnership, and promotion. Be judicious in selecting passionate leaders to bring the vision forward.
5. While many are promoting the legacy of historical figures and planning internal programming to observe the occasion, challenges remain that need all hands on for correction. Create a task force to examine organizational assistance to ongoing issues plaguing the Black and Brown communities. Listen to said results and take non-performative actions communicating results along the way.

This Black History Month, let those of us who proudly wear the nametag of Inclusive Leaders strive to create more awareness and action around making more impactful changes. Get involved and create a future workplace that stays educated, favors equity more than equality, and celebrates and makes space for cultural differences.