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This month, February 2023, is Black History Month in Canada. Check out our blog from the last year to learn more about Black History Month and some of today’s talented Black Canadian entrepreneurs. There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month at the workplace and incorporate Canadian Black History into your company culture year-round. It is crucial to reflect on Black history in Canada, and acknowledge the ongoing existence of racism, and take action to combat it. At Venture X, we understand the importance of creating inclusive and diverse communities and workspaces that uplift and support Black individuals and all people regardless of age, gender, race, or background. We are committed to promoting equality in our coworking communities and actively working towards a more just and equitable society. Learn more about the Venture X community, including our values and beliefs, by visiting our community page, and keep reading for suggestions on how to celebrate Black History Month in the workplace.
Support local Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and other communities that encourage diverse, inclusive workplaces.
ERGs are employee resource groups that support diverse, inclusive workplaces and other communities of inclusion. They provide a space for employees to connect with each other, exchange ideas and experiences, and build relationships. ERGs and other communities of inclusion can serve as a valuable resource for your company’s mission-driven initiatives.
Create a book club featuring books written by Black authors and encourage conversation and connection.
Create a book club and encourage conversation and connection by meeting up to discuss the chapters. Read a book that is relevant to Black History Month or a book related to your industry that is written by a Black author.
Give employees or speakers a platform to share their experiences, perspectives, and stories.
Giving employees or speakers a platform to share their experiences, perspectives, and stories is an excellent way to celebrate Black History Month in the workplace. Host or attend events that feature Black speakers and promote them to encourage others to come out and listen.
Encourage product and service purchases from Black-owned businesses.
Supporting black-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate Black History Month. These businesses are important to the community and have been growing in number over the years, but they often get overlooked by larger, more established companies. By prioritizing and encouraging product or service purchases from these smaller operations and leaving positive reviews, you can help them gain visibility and encourage others to do the same.
Support organizations that focus on the preservation and education of Canadian Black History.
Support organizations that focus on the preservation and education of Canadian Black History. The Government of Canada has highlighted some of these organizations and resources on their website, including:
Showcase the work of Black artists in your office or store.
Feature Black artists work in your workplace or business, whether it’s a photo, a piece of art, or interior design. Hire black creators like videographers, caterers, graphic designers, sculptors, painters or muralists, photographers, and musicians whenever you have the chance. Involve them in your workplace events and suggest them to your friends and family.
Look for opportunities to volunteer at a local non-profit organization that supports Black communities.
Look for opportunities to volunteer at a local non-profit organization that supports Black communities. Consider organizing a fundraising event or bake sale in the office during Black History Month, with all proceeds going toward an organization that supports Black communities. Here are a couple of resources for organizations in Toronto and Ottawa that support Black communities and individuals:
Celebrate black Canadian history in the workplace year-round, not just during February.
We hope this post has provided some inspiration for how you can celebrate Black History Month in the workplace. Remember to try to apply inclusive and diverse practices and activities throughout the year, not just during Black History Month. And don’t forget to celebrate the contributions of people of colour who have helped shape Canada’s diverse identity as a nation!