Celebrating the contributions and achievements of black Americans throughout history.
February is Black History Month and we’re Celebrating the contributions and achievements of black Americans throughout history.
We believe in the importance of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. During this month, we want to take the time to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of black Americans throughout history.
Black History Month, which is observed in February in the United States, has its roots in the 1920s when African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed the creation of a week to celebrate the accomplishments of black Americans. This idea was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976.
We have chosen to highlight the stories and legacies of notable figures such as Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela, among many others. These individuals have made significant contributions in fields such as civil rights, science, and technology, and have played an integral role in shaping the world we live in today.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we encourage all our employees to take the time to learn more about the contributions and achievements of black Americans throughout history. Together, we can work towards a future where inclusion and diversity are the norm, not the exception.
Harriet Tubman – A Heroine of the Underground Railroad and Civil War
Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman escaped and became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, helping hundreds of enslaved people gain their freedom. She also served as a scout, spy, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War and is considered the first African American woman to serve in the military. Despite facing significant danger and a large reward for her capture, Tubman never lost a “passenger” and went on to work for causes such as women’s suffrage and the welfare of freed slaves. She died in 1913 and was buried with military honors.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – The Dreamer
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and activist who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He is best known for his use of nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs to campaign for the rights of African Americans. King’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963, is widely regarded as one of the greatest speeches in American history.
Maya Angelou – The Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. Her work is characterized by her celebration of black culture and the depiction of the struggles of black people and women. Angelou was a consultant and writer for Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Nelson Mandela – The Father of the Nation
Anti-Apartheid Activist and South African President
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country’s first black head of state and was instrumental in the transition from apartheid to a multi-racial democracy. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to apartheid and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
