In Support of Black History Month by Rhonda Moret

I think this is why, for me, this year’s Black History Month feels as if it has a bit more meaning. A bit more substance.

During past years, countless companies and organizations took great pride in posting platitudes to acknowledge the Kings, the Parks and the Tubmans of our country. In my opinion, those efforts felt hollow and were much more perfunctory in nature than embraced by true admiration and appreciation.

But I feel this year is a bit different. There is a movement not only to remember the larger than life figures who have pathed the way for Black Americans today, but there is also action.

Through my work in the DEI space, we’ve seen an increase in the number of organizations actively embracing Black History Month and taking action in ways previously not realized.

Organizations are making a seat at the table for Black-owned businesses through increasing their supplier diversity commitments. Others are hosting Black History Month trivia nights; social hour, companywide screenings of Black movies like Hidden Figures; and Uber Eats lunches delivered directly from Black-owned local restaurants to employees working from home.

There also seems to be an increased appetite for learning and awareness settling into the corporate America landscape. Our team at Elevated Diversity has facilitated numerous book club sessions centered on national bestsellers like White Fragility and So You Want to Talk About Race.

As a woman of color myself, I have a renewed sense of pride when considering the sheer fiber of Black America and the very fabric in which her story has been woven — with its varied textures, purposes and colors.

I hope that the story of Black America continues to be discussed far beyond the month of February because it is through dialogue that we as individuals, communities and organizations can inspire action.

Rhonda Moret is founder of Elevated Diversity and co-chair of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for MPISCC.