By: Lucy Spratlin
Since 1976, Black History Month has raised awareness of the accomplishments of Black people throughout history. This year’s theme is Black health and wellness. It celebrates the contributions of Black clinicians and scholars to Western medicine, as well as the contributions of other Black healers to naturopathy and herbology.
At the same time, Black History Month highlights continued disparities in access to opportunity. It calls for communities to work together in achieving racial equity in every facet of life while preserving and celebrating Black culture. Take a look at a few of our favorite cause campaigns currently making an impact in a range of equity issues including STEM, career readiness, positive representation in media, elevating Black culture, and championing Black-owned brands.
Discovery Education celebrates Black STEM leaders
Discovery Education is partnering with corporate leaders and schools to connect students with a curated collection of dynamic career content celebrating Black leaders in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). The STEM Careers Coalition resources include:
- Career profile videos featuring Black leaders from Procter and Gamble, Microsoft and more
- Guidance on setting career goals
- Career strategies, roadmaps and digital tools
Dell Technologies works to increase the number of Black women with computing degrees
Dell Technologies is partnering with organizations led by Black people and Women of Color, with the goal of doubling the number of Black women with computing degrees by 2025. The centerpiece of the campaign is social media that shares inspiring stories from Black women at Dell.
Goodera reaches out for racial equality
Goodera curates virtual and hybrid volunteer opportunities for individuals and corporations across more than 100 countries, as well as offering opportunities of their own. Their campaign for Black History Month is a volunteer drive that seeks to engage 10,000 volunteers: 10K for Racial Equality. It offers the opportunity for both individuals and corporate teams to participate in events and activities, with topics including:
- Education on Martin Luther King Jr. and other Black leaders
- Career stories to inspire youth
- Audiobooks on Black heritage
Corporations can also create their own programming. Blackbaud, for example, is asking volunteers to record children’s audiobooks featuring Black protagonists.
Old Navy helps spread the love of Black culture
Through Project WE, Old Navy is collaborating with three talented artists to express their love for Black community and culture on T-shirts for sale online and in-store. This is part of a larger, ongoing campaign that includes:
- In-store job training and mentorship for underserved young people
- $1 million donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
- $50,000 donation to the 15 Percentage Pledge, committing 15% of annual spend on vendors to Black-owned businesses
Nordstrom promotes Black brands and Black food culture
This year, Nordstrom is emphasizing Black-owned brands and Black in-house designers, amplifying personal stories, and featuring recipes by Spice Suite founder Angel Gregario in its coffee bars.
In addition, Nordstrom has committed to achieving these racial equity milestones by 2025:
- Increase the percentage of Black and Latino managers by at least 50%
- Generate $500 million in retail sales from Black-owned and Latino-owned brands
- Donate $1 million each year to nonprofits that promote anti-racism
What do you think of these campaigns we’re tracking? What are you tracking? Let us know in the comments or contact us if you’d like to exchange perspectives. We’re always interested in learning something new.
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