B-SIDE by Boston Globe Media’s Post

This Black History Month, I’m celebrating the connection between diversity, creativity, and innovation. I’m inspired by ServiceNow’s 2024 theme, “Our art sparks innovation,” which highlights the artistic and cultural contributions of Black people around the world. In my view, creativity and diversity are underappreciated pieces of the innovation puzzle. Diversity supports creativity... and what is innovation if not a creative solution to an old problem? But I think the diversity within the Black community gets overlooked sometimes too. For example, did you know that in the U.S. alone, about 6 million adults identify as Afro-Latino? And that 130 million people of African descent live in Latin America? That's about a quarter of the total population. This group includes some creatives powerhouses... actors like Zoe Saldana, Rosario Dawson, and Laz Alonso; musicians like Mariah Carey, Cardi B, and Maxwell; and writers like Elizabeth Acevedo and Miriam Jiménez Román. It’s a great reminder that identity is rarely one thing, and that diversity exists both within and without these categories. As a leader, I firmly believe that I have something to learn from everyone, no matter their age, race, or background. Because diversity drives creativity, and creativity drives innovation. So as I enjoy my favorite Black and Afro-Latino writers, musicians, and artists this month, I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m just a little more innovative too. #BlackHistoryMonth 

This is your friendly reminder that Black History Month is approaching and your organization's social teams are likely scrambling to come up with what to post in February. Here is what NOT to do: ● If your organization has not highlighted or featured black employees before now, please sit this one out. We can tell and in 2024, this is the bare minimum you could be doing. ● If all you have is your basic "Happy Black History Month" template, sit this one out. It's 2024, you're organization has been around how long and all you have to contribute is the same "Happy Black History Month" you have likely recycled every year. Shame on you. ● If your organization claims to care about DEI initiatives, but this is the only month you address any, sit this one out. There are plenty of important DEI causes to address all year. Don't wait until February to speak on them. Here are some creative ideas you COULD do. - Celebrate black owned business leaders or companies in your space. - Highlight clients or C-Suite executives that are of color. - Speak up about a cause that you truly advocate for. - Allow your black employees to "takeover" social for the month. (Post a day in the life working at ______) - Feature a recent promotion of a/an employee(s). - Highlight a black owned business you or your employees frequent for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. - Highlight a black owned business that has supported your business in the past or that you do business with. This list is only a start but we have to continue to push beyond the bare minimum acknowledgments and it starts here. #BlackHistoryMonth #DEI #SocialMedia #Marketing #SocialMediaManager

🔥Marketers, let's step up the game this year as we celebrate Black History Month! Celebrating Black History Month. 🎉 If you ever get the chance, The African American History Museum in Washington DC is awe inspiring and a truly emotional journey. Here’s a link to learn more and explore the digital journey https://lnkd.in/eefCKsmU ❓Here’s a question for discussion: does a generic post stating 'Black History Month' really do justice, serve the black community or elevate black Americans? 💡 How about sharing stories on how your company is amplifying the voices of people of color or showcasing DEI efforts in action. How are you celebrating your employees? Are you highlighting success stories within your organization? Going beyond the usual post shows authenticity, it builds, it doesn't just check a box. 🧠Don't just check a box; build your brand genuinely and avoid the social media calendar trap. It's not about scoring points; it's about making a meaningful impact. If as a marketing leader you read the above and don’t have a story to tell….. your company may be doing it wrong. #ElevateWithAuthenticity #BeyondTheBox

Happy Black History Month, LinkedIn community! As we enter the second month of 2024, I'm using this time to prepare for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. This is a crucial time for community engagement, with organizations across the city hosting events and activities. Attending these events, taking notes, and connecting with new organizations is a great way to build collaborations and secure resources for the future. As someone who's worked in community organizing and engagement for years, I strongly believe in the power of face-to-face interactions. Getting out of the office and connecting with residents is essential for building strong relationships and making a real impact. I challenge all leaders to make the time to engage with their communities, even amid busy schedules. With summer weather on the horizon, now is the perfect time to start planning for community engagement. Let's make the most of this Black History Month and use it as a launching pad for a successful Spring/Summer season. Remember, #communityneversleeps.

Please come in here with some sense this Black History Month. It's only Feb. 7th and we've already seen racist critiques of Jay-Z for calling out the racism during the Grammy's...can we be more thoughtful for the rest of the moving forward? It should go without saying that February should not be the only month your company chooses to acknowledge the accomplishments and history of Black Americans. Instead of approaching the month with the intent to only increase awareness or provide visibility to Black people, challenge yourself to go a step further and use Black History Month as a time to dream up new ways you can shift the lived experiences of Black people at your company. While programming and other special events might be ways to engage employees and build community, you can also take steps to improve the experience Black employees have year-round, including: 1. Invest in Professional Development Opportunities specifically designed for Black folks. 2. Address the Ways White Supremacy Culture is Showing Up because it's there, we have never been in a post racial society. 3. Ensure the Intentionality Doesn’t End in February Black History Month can be both a time to demonstrate a reverence and respect for the experience of being Black in America, and to plant seeds for a future in the workplace where Black people are valued, and given the space to have joy and peace. Schedule a consultation with ShiftEd Consulting today to begin your journey! Make sure you're signed up for our blog where we dive more deeply into 1-3. #shiftedconsulting #readytoshift #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory365  

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month with ATC Healthcare 🌟 As February unfolds, we're thrilled to kick off Black History Month, a time to honor the groundbreaking achievements and enduring impact of Black pioneers in healthcare and beyond. 🩺✨ This month, we're not just looking back; we're inspired to look forward. Join us as we spotlight the trailblazers who've carved paths in the medical field, share stories of resilience, and celebrate the rising stars shaping the future of healthcare. 🌈 🔹 Week 1: Trailblazers of the Past - Honoring historical figures who've paved the way in healthcare. 🔹 Week 2: Leaders of Today - Spotlighting current Black professionals making waves in healthcare. 🔹 Week 3: Future Innovators - Celebrating the bright young minds committed to advancing healthcare. 🔹 Week 4: Local Health Heroes - Recognizing the local `organizations and individuals dedicated to improving health outcomes in Black communities. 💬 We invite you to engage with us! Share stories, celebrate the heroes in your community, and let us know how you're making a difference. Let's make this Black History Month not just a reflection of how far we've come, but a beacon for where we're headed, together. #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthcareHeroes #Trailblazers #InnovationInHealthcare #CommunityHealth #ATCHealthcare

Dive into Black History Month: Celebrate, Learn, and Connect in Your Community!   This February, let's not just celebrate Black history, but embrace it! And what better way than by stepping out and engaging with your local Black community?   Recently, I had the amazing experience attending the Taste of Soul and Black Business Expo in Murrieta, California. The food was incredible, the music vibrant, and the energy infectious! But most importantly, it was an opportunity to connect with talented entrepreneurs, learn about their stories, and support their businesses.   Here's the thing: events like these happen all over the country throughout Black History Month (and beyond!). Whether it's a cultural festival, a historical exhibition, a book club discussion, or a film screening, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Black culture and history.   So, this month, I challenge you: Seek out events in your community. Do a quick Google search, check local listings, or ask friends for recommendations. Step outside your comfort zone. Attend an event you've never been to before, strike up conversations with people you don't know, and be open to learning something new. Support Black businesses. Purchase their products, use their services, and spread the word about their ventures.   Share your experiences! In the comments below, tell me about the events you attend, the connections you make, and the lessons you learn. Let's make this a month of shared celebration, education, and community building.   #BlackHistoryMonth #SupportBlackBusinesses #CommunityEngagement #CelebrateDiversity

🎉 Happy Black History Month! 🎉 This month, we not only celebrate the rich history, achievements, and contributions of black individuals to our society, but also acknowledge the ongoing challenges they face. One such challenge is the persistent health disparities in our communities. As we commemorate #BlackHistoryMonth, let's turn our focus towards health equity and the critical role it plays in creating a healthier, more inclusive society. Health is a fundamental human right, and yet, racial and ethnic disparities persist. It's time to change that! 💪🏿💪🏾💪🏽 Let's use this opportunity to educate ourselves about these disparities, acknowledge the social determinants of health, and pledge our commitment to fighting for health equity. By doing so, we are honoring the legacy of countless black healthcare professionals, researchers, and activists who have tirelessly worked towards this goal. We're taking a stand, not just this month, but every day, to ensure everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, has the same opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Let's strive for a world where #HealthEquity is a reality, not an aspiration. Together, we can make a difference! Join us in this commitment! 🤝🏾🌍🌎🌏 #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthEquity #HealthForAll

Today is Juneteenth. And while there has been some progress, and I love seeing more companies and leaders publicly recognize this day, the uncomfortable truth is that this was only 159 years ago. And there is a lot of work to be done. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some ideas: • Support Black-owned businesses • Educate yourself, your families, and your team about Juneteenth and Black history (rather than placing that labor on the shoulders of your Black colleagues, friends, and neighbors) • Advocate for diverse panels, speaking engagements, and events. And then pay your speakers (or offer a fair trade). Yes, even the Black speakers. Giving your employees the day off is great. Understanding this day’s history, traditions, and impact is even better. Anyway, if you need me, I’ll be celebrating one of my favorite holidays and building my company. 👋🏽

This post includes resources to learn more about #Juneteenth.