Tinique Hay, founder of events agency Hay Events, shares how event professionals can celebrate Black History Month in October.
Black History Month exists to highlight the achievements of the Black community,
celebrate their contributions to the UK and learn about the important of Black historical figures who
helped make Britain what it is today.
This October, you can celebrate Black History Month within your organisation with these eight easily practicable and meaningful methods.
1. Support Black-owned businesses
This is a great way to give directly to the Black community this Black History Month and in the future. Investing your money in small Black-owned businesses is a positive form of
economic empowerment. Check out the UK Black Business Show for an event you can attend to support Black-owned businesses ukblackbusinessshow.co.uk/.
2. Learn about the Black History in your area
Learn about the historical Black influencers in your community.
You and your team can visit the local museum and look for the contributions of the Black
community in your area. You can also visit the library to know more about the Black leaders
in your community. In addition, gather knowledge about the history of the Black community
and spread that knowledge further. Eventbrite is a great platform to search for Black
history month events that are taking place in your area.
3. Donate to charities and non-profit organisations
Donate to organisations that work for racial equality and justice as these run pillar-to-post to fight for equal human rights for the Black community. From tackling and fighting
police brutality to helping Black people get jobs. Here are a handful you can donate to:
● Black Lives Matter and Campaign Zero are nonprofits fighting against police brutality
that targets the Black community.
● Black Girls Code, an organisation empowering young Black girls to excel in tech
through mentorships and instruction.
● NAACP, a historic organisation supporting the political, educational, social, and
economic equality of the Black community.
● SisterLove, an AIDS and reproductive justice nonprofit particularly focused on Black
women’s health.
● Trans Women of Color Collective, a grassroots level nonprofit supporting trans and
gender-nonconforming people of color in leadership roles.
5. Celebrate Black literature
To support the Black community, you can promote classic
and contemporary Black authors and their remarkable works. This Black History Month, select books written by Black authors and host a company-wide book
reading event.
6. Support Black art and artists
From poets to musicians, Black creatives are essential
for the sustainability of Black culture. This October celebrates Black History Month at work
by supporting the Black artist community and the undeniable Black culture.
7. Support Black-owned restaurants
This would be great to get your team together to
indulge in some authentic Afro-caribbean food from Black-owned restaurants. You can
either choose to dine-in with your team members or just order in if you’re working remotely.
8. Organise diversity training programmes
This is a great way to educate your workers about
Black History and create an equal and safe working environment for everyone. You can
organise a diversity training programme for your employees and invite guest speakers from
the community. This is an equal opportunity for Black leaders and influencers to share
their valuable thoughts. Also, it is an amazing diversity and inclusion initiative to promote
great company culture.
Tinique Hay is the founder of events agency Hay Events.
