3 Min Read This month is Black History Month. Originally founded to recognise the contributions that people of African and Caribbean backgrounds have made to the UK over the years. Now it has expanded to include the history of black history in general. Black History Month is a great opportunity to educate yourself on black history and culture and we will be getting the whole Eclipse team involved. We’ve created this blog to share the top ways you can celebrate Black History Month at work.
Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month at work?
It is important to celebrate Black History Month at work because it will not only help to open a dialogue around race and identity in your business but will also create an opportunity for further education surrounding black history and culture.
Learn more about black history
One of the best ways to celebrate Black History Month at work is by learning more about black history and culture. Many organisations and businesses hold events throughout the month to educate their employees. You could sponsor an event through your company, such as a film screening or lecture series. This will help raise awareness about black culture and history amongst your employees, which is especially important if you’re working with diverse employees from different backgrounds and want to break down cultural barriers while creating more opportunities for deep understanding and empathy among employees.
Invite a speaker to your office
Another great way to celebrate is to invite a speaker to your office to speak to your employees about race relations, civil rights and other topics surrounding black identity. This allows your employees to learn more about black identity and ask questions to further educate themselves.
Plan an educational workshop
Whilst workshops do often still include a guest speaker, they are a great way to get your employees to actively participate and think critically about what they’re learning. Educational workshops provide your employees with information about black history, as well as black inventors, political leaders and inspiring people that have made positive contributions to society.
Support Black-Owned Businesses
Whether it’s choosing something new for the office, selecting a customer appreciation gift, or deciding on food for your lunchtime meeting, use the opportunity to seek out black-owned businesses and invest your money in them. Supporting a Black-owned business is a great way to directly, financially support the Black community in your area.
Create a lunch-time book club
The purpose of Black History Month is to highlight black history and culture and to spread awareness of Black experiences. Reading is one of the best ways to learn about different perspectives. Hosting a lunchtime book club for your employees to participate in is a great way to introduce them to Black writers and different viewpoints.
Above are just some of the ways you can celebrate Black History Month at work. Whilst Celebrating Black History Month is a great way to educate yourself and your team on black culture and history, it is also important to remember to continue to educate yourself throughout the year.
