"A chance to celebrate Black achievement and to provide a fresh reminder to take stock of where systemic racism persists and give visibility to the people and organizations creating change."
Read More At weforum.org
February 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the U.S. To help kick off the celebrations here at Pursuit, our Culture Club and Black History Month subcommittee are organizing fun, meaningful, and collaborative activities for staff, Fellows, and our greater community.
Check out the Pursuit Black History Month resources below to learn about the history behind Black History Month, discover this year’s important theme, and find articles, organizations, social impact apps, and so much more!
Special thanks to our teammates Lakisha Gonsalves, Na’taja Flood, Amanda Burden, Lillian Schenck, Vicky Liu, Daphne Smitniotis, and Sareen Handoush for putting this together and organizing for the month!
“The theme for 2022 focuses on the importance of Black Health and Wellness. This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”
Read more at ASLAH.com →
In celebration of this month’s theme at Pursuit we will be sourcing Black health and wellness organizations on the Staff and Fellows Faves workbook, sharing brands and Black-owned business to support (see right), and curating a Black Health & Wellness podcast!
1. TRAIN TO BE AN ALLY
Signup for this workshop by Women of Color in the Workplace: “Allyship Training: How to Overcome Gender & Racial Biases in our Workplaces”!
2. BUY BLACK & SHOP LOCAL
Looking for an easy way to find and shop all of the Black-owned restaurants and businesses in New York City? Check out this Google Map of Black-owned businesses in New York City, and read this article for national Black-owned brands and businesses by type!
3. BLACK HEALTH AND WELLNESS
While you’re shopping Black owned brands and businesses check out this list of Black-Owned Wellness Businesses and Brands to Support because this year’s Black History Month theme is “Black Health and Wellness”! Health and wellness are not just inclusive of physical and mental health, but spiritual and social (community) wellbeing as well. Learn more about and support organizations such as Ethel’s Club, The Black Joy Project and HealHaus, which are providing spaces for Black people while cultivating community, prioritizing healing, elevating Black Joy.
4. RACIAL JUSTICE
Racism is a public health crisis. While you learn more about Black health, wellness, and experiences you can also support nonprofits, activists, and organizations doing vital social justice work here.
5. CELEBRATE BLACK CINEMA
Pursuit’s very own Alex Paul has created an app to locate and learn more about movies by Black creators and about Black history and experiences. Pick out a movie on his Black Cinema Netlify app and let us know on Slack what you’re watching this month!
6. BLACK IN TECH
Pursuit’s mission is to increase economic opportunity for all and improve diversity in the tech industry. What better way to get inspired to achieve this mission than by celebrating Black innovators throughout history and Black leaders in tech today! Learn more about the Black technologists who have impacted your life, and meet some of today’s most influential Black tech entrepreneurs and trailblazers.
7. THE “HISTORY” IN BLACK HISTORY
Want to learn more about Black History? Check out Crash Course’s podcast hosted by Clint Smith or History.com’s Black History page!