What is Black History Month? 🤔
February is Black History Month, when we recognize and uplift the history of Black people. We acknowledge and celebrate their culture, achievements, and contributions, specifically in the context of American history.
Perhaps the most important contribution Black people have made, especially in the United States, has been to act as a catalyst in the ongoing struggle for racial equality for all people. Unfortunately, racial and other forms of discrimination still exist at work as well as outside of the workplace.
Why should you recognize Black History Month at work? 🙌🏾
Since February comes at the start of a new year, Black History Month provides an excellent opportunity for companies to examine their diversity and inclusion policies concerning hiring, retaining, and promoting Black employees.
As you consider your company culture and inclusion efforts, remember the importance of the concepts “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion.” The United States is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Does your corporate culture display that same level of workplace diversity?
The struggle for justice and equality has been a long and arduous journey, marked by countless acts of resistance, resilience, and determination. These struggles have not only been significant for the Black community but have also served as a catalyst for broader movements seeking justice and equality for all marginalized groups.
The fight for racial justice and equality has inspired and influenced efforts to address systemic discrimination and oppression faced by various communities, including Indigenous peoples, Hispanic & Latin American individuals, Asian Americans, and other people of color.
Ready to celebrate Black History Month? Check out these ideas — including Confetti-hosted events all originated and run by Black artists and educators — below:
Here are 9 Black History Month ideas for work 🎉
1. Support Black art 🎨
Black History Month is a great time to celebrate Black professionals and talents in all industries, artists included! When was the last time you went to the museum to learn about the revolutionary works of Black artists?
Now, more and more institutions are offering digital programming. For example, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has a digital “searchable museum” full of history lessons and virtual tours.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? Studying art by Black artists provides a unique opportunity to inspire and teach through unique storytelling.
How to get started 👉 Learn some African-American history in Exploring Black Art!
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2. Celebrate Black excellence with a party 🎵
Your Black History Month celebration should be just that – a celebration. Make it a company-wide effort that engages everyone. Invite compelling guest speakers such as artists, educators, or figures from the Civil Rights Movement.
Cater the event with food from local black-owned restaurants and create an eclectic playlist featuring music by Black artists. You can also organize a trivia game centered around Black History Month.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? Throwing a party that highlights Black culture is a great way to build inclusivity and promote bonding!
3. Play Black History Trivia❓
Take your Black History Month celebration to the next level with a guided trivia game, featuring questions on Black history & culture! Employees can participate individually or in teams, encouraging collaboration and friendly competition.
With Confetti’s entertaining host at the lead, your team will enjoy a curated experience that’s interactive, educational, and tailored to highlight the richness of Black history and culture.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? This engaging activity combines learning and fun as a knowledgeable host leads your team through rounds of trivia, highlighting key moments, figures, and achievements in Black history.
How to get started 👉 Celebrate Black History Month with Black History & Culture Trivia!
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4. Give back to the community 🤝
Companies can also celebrate Black History Month by meaningfully impacting lives other than those of their employees. Your company can make a financial contribution to a historically Black College or University, or a nonprofit organization that fights for equality for the black community, such as:
- The NAACP: America’s largest, and oldest, civil rights organization
- Black Girls Code: Educational nonprofit organization breaking barriers for Black girls in the tech industry
- The National Urban League: Nonpartisan civil rights organization that provides economic empowerment and educational opportunities to underserved communities
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? Supporting organizations that provide support and mentorships to the Black community is a great way to economically empower Black communities. You can also support Black-owned businesses through subcontracting or the establishment of joint ventures.
How to get started 👉 Encourage employees to share the local or national causes that are grabbing their attention and need volunteers or donations!
5. Take a Black History Mixology Class 🍹
A happy hour is the perfect team building activity, especially when you're learning some history in the process! This February, gather your team to unwind and raise a glass while learning about the real stories behind Black History Month founder Carter G. Woodson, and the rich and devastating history of Haiti.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? A happy hour is a great way to encourage team bonding while learning more about Black history and culture from a knowledgeable Black mixologist!
How to get started 👉 Raise a glass and cheers to a Black History Mixology Class!
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6. Start a virtual book club or movie club 🍿
Storytelling is a timeless way to learn about different cultures. Your company can help your employees celebrate and learn about Black history by giving them books by Black authors.
Do you have a team of movie-buffs? If yes, consider gathering for regular viewings of movies written, directed, and starring Black artists. To increase employee engagement, you can discuss the themes of the movie you watched after it ends.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? Gathering for critical discussion is not only a great professional development opportunity, but it also helps employees of all cultural backgrounds become more well-versed in the stories of Black people.
How to get started 👉 Learn personal stories of Black leaders in film in a History of Black Cinema!
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7. Plan a Black History scavenger hunt 🔍
Organize a virtual scavenger hunt where employees uncover facts about Black history, leaders, and cultural milestones. Use tools like Google Forms or Slack to create questions and clues that guide participants to find answers through online research or company-provided resources. For example, questions could include trivia about Black inventors, influential historical events, or cultural icons.
It’s an interactive, fun, and educational way to engage employees while encouraging self-guided learning about Black history. To get started, draft a list of clues and instructions, then divide participants into teams to collaborate virtually and compete for small prizes or recognition.
8. Treat the team to lunch from a Black-owned restaurant 🍽️
Food is a wonderful connector to culture and storytelling. Treat your employees to a catered lunch from a Black-owned restaurant in the area during Black History Month. For remote teams, you could send everyone a virtual gift card and share a list of resources, such as apps or directories, to help them find local options.
You can also invite everyone to share photos of their meals in your favorite chat channel or host a virtual lunch hour where team members can talk about the dishes they tried and the stories behind them.
Supporting Black-owned businesses while exploring diverse culinary traditions is a simple yet impactful way to celebrate Black history and culture.
How to get started 👉 Research Black-owned restaurants in major cities where your employees are based and provide a small stipend or gift card. Confetti’s Lunch Party makes it easy to deliver everyone’s gift card at once!
9. Listen to an audiobook or podcast from a Black author or content creator 👂
Why not spend Black History Month enjoying a soothing audiobook from one of the many talented authors out there? From historical narratives to intriguing works of fiction, there are literally THOUSANDS of options.
Audiobooks not your thing? Then how about tuning into a compelling podcast from award winning black creators! Who knows, you may even be motivated to write your own book or maybe even create your own podcast.
Why is this a great idea for Black History Month? We all could use a little inspiration. Losing yourself in an immersive audiobook or tuning into a riveting podcast could be just the motivation you need to begin your own journey of creativity.
How to get started 👉 From Audible to iTunes, there are many ways to enjoy compelling audio content. Download the Audible app for free and begin your audiobook journey!
Celebrate Black History Month with Confetti 🎉
Although February is just one month, we should celebrate Black History Month and promote inclusion and cultural diversity all year.
Promote diversity and an inclusive environment by regularly planning meaningful diversity activities that can educate, inspire, and strengthen bonds between your team members. Don’t forget to make your diversity and inclusion activities as engaging and enjoyable as possible. And, if they express they’d like to be involved, give space to your Black team members to help lead these plans as well!
Ready to book your event? Check out Confetti's Black History Month collection today!
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