24 Ways to Celebrate Your Black Employees During Black History Month

What are the best ways to celebrate your Black employees during Black History Month? We've rounded up the top 24 ideas we've seen from companies on the forefront of developing programming around diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. No matter what you call your internal efforts to create an environment of acceptance - D&I (diversity & inclusion), DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) or DIB (diversity, inclusion & belonging) - it's critical that you develop robust events, conversations, activities and more to add depth and mutual understanding to the fabric of your internal culture.

Here are 24 ways to celebrate your Black employees during Black History Month, including the companies who inspired the programming and their Diversity & Inclusion Rating on Glassdoor:

1. Present open panel discussions with leaders, art exhibitions and a unique visual and auditory experience. Inspired by programming at Capital One

2. Host a series of events throughout February, facilitating open discussions around working toward an even more open and inclusive environment. Inspired by programming at Gilead

3. Fostering belonging among employees through events illuminating the importance of advancing inclusive research and health equity, and transforming society through partnerships to advance healthcare solutions and STEM education in our communities. Inspired by programming at Genentech

4. Create a visual art gallery walk that focuses on the historical journey of Black Art, with conversations exploring the topic of race-based trauma. Inspired by programming at Genentech

5. Make a video tribute after a month-long recognition highlighting your internal ERG and their accomplishments through articles and interviews. Inspired by programming at Caterpillar

6. Publish ongoing trivia throughout the month highlighting the accomplishments of employees and customers past and present. Inspired by programming at Caterpillar

7. Host a Black-owned business showcase providing opportunities to meet and explore new relationships with local business owners. Inspired by programming at McCarthy Building Companies

8. Run local food drives to fill the pantries of community food banks. Inspired by programming at HCSC

9. Offer panel discussions on important topics like myths associated with mental health or unconscious bias. Inspired by programming at HCSC

10. Give cooking demonstrations combining food, health, wellness and awareness by offering cooking and health tips to combat the disparate cardiovascular disease rates that African American/Black Americans face. Inspired by programming at HCSC

11. Launch an Employee Resource Group (ERG). Build an ERG comprising multicultural employees whose objective is to influence diversity and inclusion through education and awareness, and host an event. Inspired by programming at First Command

12. Make equitable change in your community. Sponsor a multi-year, need-based scholarship program to support students who want to embark on STEM-related studies at your company. Inspired by programming at 3M

13. Share your commitment D&I publicly by promising to double the representation of underrepresented groups in your U.S. workforce. Inspired by programming at 3M

14. Host a speaker series with Black celebrities, for example Zions hosted an event exploring the intersection of race, sports and economic inclusion with three former NFL football players of color: Steve Smith, Haloti Ngata and Lorenzo Alexander. Inspired by programming at Zions Bancorporation

15. Encourage ambassadors to share their lived experiences internally to connect with global communities online and "in person" by sharing daily posts reflecting #blackinspirations. Via virtual meetings, ambassadors can lead hyperlocal events and focus on topics ranging from the authenticity of diversity, inclusion and belonging efforts, intersectionality, uplifting Black and other underrepresented voices and perspectives, and some inspirational Black voices. Inspired by programming at Equinix

16. Month-long programming with events that promote community service, celebrate historical Black figures, spotlight Black families, and empower Black employees to thrive. Inspired by programming at Twilio

17. Host a discussion with Black law enforcement officers who will share their perspectives on the intersectionality of being both Black and police officers. Inspired by programming at Micron Technology

18. Host a virtual performance by a Black gospel choir whose mission is to spread joy for all. Inspired by programming at Micron Technology

19. Host a virtual performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and amplify Black voices across your company in various ways throughout the month. Inspired by programming at Levi Strauss

20. Lead weekly virtual programs celebrating themes, like Honoring the Black family history and legacy and what it means to employees, Celebrating education and the Black college experience, Recognizing community organizations and their impact on the Black community, and Building equity in Black communities. Inspired by programming at Fannie Mae

21. Partner with Black-led nonprofits and charities through your corporate social responsibility program. Inspired by programming at RingCentral

22. Hold a global discussion on Courageous Leadership and Inclusive Diversity featuring experts on diversity and inclusion. Inspired by programming at Alvarez & Marsal (A&M)

23. Host a series of interactive employee webinars throughout the month. For example, Micro Focus featured an employee Alex Deng who shared his personal story as a refugee from Kenya, his career highlights, and how he engages and gives back to the community. Inspired by programming at Micro Focus

24. Celebrate the long-lasting impact of Black women and the African diaspora culture throughout history and today in a series of virtual events. For example, eBay did this by hosting game nights, Black cinema watch parties, fireside chats and panel discussions covering a variety of topics, including technology, culture and wellness. Inspired by programming at eBay

Your people - especially those from underrepresented groups - will remember how you supported them as individuals in the context of their culture. To get involved in the conversation around diversity & inclusion on Glassdoor and start managing and promoting your employer brand reputation, unlock your Free Employer Profile today.