February is Black History Month in the US, and this year’s theme is especially relevant to the world of work. Here are some ways to recognize it (and why it matters)!
February is Black History Month in the United States, and this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” offers a powerful reflection on the meaning and value of work—a focus that aligns closely with our mission. Work plays a critical role in our wellbeing, identity, and sense of belonging in a community. But for many Black people in America and elsewhere, work was once a site of extreme exploitation, suffering, and injustice. This timely theme allows us the chance for reflection on the legacy of inequality in the world of work. Yet it also presents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black people in the workforce, and to honor their contributions to our communities. In doing so, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace now.
Here are some ways to observe Black History Month this year:
Learn more about this year's theme, “African Americans and Labor,” from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the founders of Black History Month.
Read up on the origins of Black History Month at history.com.
Check out this lineup of documentaries about Black history, heritage, and experience on PBS.
Live in the US? Look for museum exhibitions and special events in your city, or check out this list at blackhistorymonth.gov.
Check out this Black History Month reading list from the American Writers Museum.
What does exploring these resources have to do with your workplace? The answer goes beyond the 2025 theme. In her article “Why I shared by Black History reading list at work,” MeaningSphere’s Karen Singletary writes, “I tend to be the only woman of color wherever I work. To be my authentic self at work, and forge meaningful connections with others, I feel the need to share these aspects of my culture and experience.”
By celebrating, learning about, and sharing the contributions of Black people in the workplace and in society at large, we help build a stronger work culture where belonging and mutual understanding are possible—as this quote from Karen’s piece demonstrates. In other words, we can make work the kind of place you wouldn’t mind showing up to each day. And that’s pretty meaningful.
Comments