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Black History Month is a great opportunity for us to take time and learn about the rich heritage and culture of the Black community while reflecting on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. This year’s theme, set by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is “African Americans and Labor”. This topic explores how the multitudes of African American labor from slavery to skilled positions and everywhere in between intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also take time to educate ourselves and others about the ongoing impact of racism and discrimination the Black community faces, and commit to taking action to promote equity and inclusion in our workplace and local community. Below are a few tools to help you learn from this meaningful history and how you can be an advocate and ally in the present.

Join AAAWM’s Media Club in reading i’m not yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace by Elizabeth Leiba

The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Media Club for our staff. The DEI Media Club consumes and discusses different types of media each month related to a specific DEI topic. This month, we are reading i’m not yelling by Elizabeth Leiba. This book highlights data and personal accounts that Black women in the workforce face while navigating corporate America. This literature also provides strategy and empowerment for Black women to find their voices in the workforce.  Interested in reading with us? This book can be found at bookstores, on audiobook platforms, and in some libraries near you.

Explore the Personal Narratives of Black Veterans within the Library of Congress

Listen to personal narratives of Black Veterans in the Library of Congress detailing their experiences serving for the United States. Many of their narratives discuss the dichotomy of fighting the enemy in different wars in other countries while also fighting a system of segregation and exclusion.

Join the Smithsonian in celebrating this year’s theme: African Americans and Labor

Explore the Smithsonian’s online exhibits for Black History Month. They have put together a multitude of resources that explore history through the arts, podcasts, and other forms.

Black History Month | Smithsonian Institution

Support Black-Owned Businesses

Supporting Black-owned businesses is important because it helps to promote economic empowerment, representation, and visibility in the marketplace, community development, and cultural preservation.  If you are unsure about which businesses around you are Black-owned, your local Chamber of Commerce likely has an idea. We recommend reaching out to them or doing some research of your own.  We would love to hear how you are diversifying your spending or what Black-owned businesses you are already frequenting in your community.