Since 1976, February has been devoted to honoring the contributions, achievements, and historical past of Black folks in the USA. However past celebration, it’s additionally a time to replicate: Are we actually creating workplaces the place Black colleagues really feel valued, heard, and supported- not simply in hiring, however in profession development, management alternatives, and on a regular basis experiences?
Honoring Black historical past isn’t nearly wanting again – it’s additionally about taking a look at the place we’re as we speak and the place we might be sooner or later.
Why DEI nonetheless issues (even when others are backing away)
It’s no secret that range, fairness and inclusion (DEI) efforts have confronted actual challenges these days. Some corporations are scaling again, treating DEI as a pattern quite than a long-term dedication.
However let’s be clear – DEI isn’t nearly doing what’s common; it’s about doing what’s proper.
A office the place everybody, no matter race, background or id, feels valued, included and supported isn’t a pleasant to have.
At its core, DEI isn’t nearly ticking a field. It’s about making work higher for everybody.
It’s basic to worker wellbeing, engagement and innovation. When staff really feel like they belong, they thrive. Analysis proves it. Companies that spend money on numerous and inclusive cultures don’t simply create stronger groups; in addition they see larger retention, higher innovation and higher outcomes.
And right here’s the factor – hiring numerous expertise is simply step one. What occurs after they stroll by way of the door issues simply as a lot (if not much more). Are there limitations to development? Are we fostering areas the place folks really feel comfy being themselves? That’s the place fairness and inclusion are available in.
Fairness vs. equality: Why the distinction issues
At RGER, our mission has all the time been clear: to make the world a greater place to work. Meaning creating an atmosphere the place each particular person feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive, no matter their background, id or lived expertise.
Our EP!C Networks are on the coronary heart of this dedication, creating areas the place our folks can join, study and lead change. Every community performs a significant function in shaping our tradition and guaranteeing that everybody at RGER feels seen, heard and supported.
A standard query we see is Why give attention to fairness as a substitute of equality?
Equality means giving everybody the identical assets. Sounds truthful, proper? However in actuality, not everybody begins from the identical place. Fairness means recognizing these variations and offering assist tailor-made to particular person wants so that everybody has a good probability to succeed.
It’s not about reducing the bar; it’s about leveling the enjoying discipline.
Making Black Historical past Month significant at work
Black historical past is throughout us. It’s within the improvements we use each day, the leaders who’ve formed industries, and the tales that always go untold. This month is a superb time to highlight that historical past, whereas additionally driving significant change within the office.
Listed below are just a few methods to make Black Historical past Month depend:
📚 Encourage studying & dialog
- Host panel discussions or invite visitor audio system to share their experiences.
- Spotlight Black pioneers related to your trade.
- Share really helpful books, articles, or documentaries to encourage self-education. A few of our RGER favorites embrace How you can be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, The Memo by Minda Harts, Lead from the Outdoors by Stacey Abrams, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Skilled Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajai Jones.
💡 Re-examine insurance policies by way of an fairness lens
- Are promotion and management alternatives actually accessible?
- Are mentorship applications designed to assist underrepresented staff with out overloading Black leaders with additional duty?
- Are we fostering a tradition the place all voices are heard?
- Are pay and advantages truthful and equitable throughout the board?
🙌 Have fun contributions – previous and current
Black historical past isn’t simply one thing we replicate on – it’s one thing that continues to form the world round us. From the pioneers who revolutionized expertise, drugs and civil rights to the leaders driving change as we speak, the influence of Black excellence is in every single place.
Recognizing these contributions is essential, however what actually issues is how we apply this consciousness to create lasting change within the office.
Black Historical past Month needs to be about taking motion to create an atmosphere the place all staff really feel heard, valued, and empowered to succeed. It’s a possibility to problem ourselves, strengthen our commitments to fairness and make sure that inclusion isn’t only a speaking level however a lived expertise.
💬 What Black Historical past Month means to our workforce
To really respect what this month represents, we requested a few of our RGER colleagues to share their ideas:
🗣️ “Black Historical past Month is all about celebrating Black voices and amplifying them for everybody to listen to. It’s an opportunity to focus on the unimaginable historical past and successes of Black folks in society.” – Eghe Osifo
🗣️ “For me, it’s a time to lastly give attention to Black historical past, which we didn’t typically hear about in class—at the very least not the place I went to high school. It is a possibility to have fun tales that have been missed or ignored.” – Isabella Nwaoko
🗣️ “This month helps us respect icons like Katherine Johnson, who paved the way in which at NASA regardless of limitations and challenges.” – Fridah Sanga-McConnell
🗣️ “We need to create belonging for everyone, but it surely’s very important to focus on the voices of people that really feel marginalized. It’s about guaranteeing everybody has the chance to share their lived experiences and serving to us implement processes and insurance policies that create a really equitable expertise.” – Kaitlin Howes
🗣️ “It is a time to study extra, to teach ourselves, and respect the unimaginable range of thought that exists inside our group. All of us come from totally different backgrounds, and understanding these histories helps us work higher collectively.” – Nebel Crowhurst
By celebrating Black historical past and actively fostering inclusion, we transfer past phrases into significant change. Listening to these views reminds us why this month matters- not simply as a mirrored image on the previous, however as a step towards a extra inclusive future.
This isn’t nearly February
Whereas Black Historical past Month presents a devoted time to replicate, these conversations shouldn’t cease on March 1st. Actual progress means committing to this work year-round by way of hiring practices, management growth, and on a regular basis office tradition.
At RGER, we consider in fostering a office the place everybody feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Meaning standing agency in our DEIB commitments, even when exterior pressures shift.
So this month, let’s have fun, educate, and most significantly – take motion. As a result of Black historical past isn’t simply one thing we glance again on; it’s one thing we construct on day-after-day.
✨ Pleased Black Historical past Month!
