What’s Different About Black History Month in the Workplace in 2021

Black History Month originated in the efforts of Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian who launched national Negro History week in 1926 to bring awareness to Black history and achievements.

For many, it’s a joyful, inspiring time of year.

But in the workplace, celebrating Black History Month can be complicated, particularly in 2021.

In 2020, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and far too many Black Americans along with the Black Lives Matter protests brought renewed calls for organizations across the globe to educate themselves about the issues Black communities face and take concrete steps to help dismantle systemic racism.

It’s clear that employers have work to do. In a recent survey by Glassdoor, Black (71%) and Hispanic (72%) employees say their employer should be doing more to increase the diversity of its workforce.

It can be frustrating and exhausting to be part of a workplace that does not show a commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially during Black History Month.

Challenges to Celebrating Black History Month in the Workplace in 2021

Are any of the following happening in your workplace?

Your employer misinterprets Black History Month.
Your employer is indifferent to Black History Month.
Your employer is hostile to celebrating Black History Month.
Your employer is oblivious to why they might need to update their celebration of Black History Month in 2021.
Your employer or coworkers focus on the negative or painful aspects of Black history.
Your employer places the bulk of the responsibility on you to educate your coworkers about Black history.

Any one of these situations is hard to deal with.

They can make you feel isolated, overwhelmed, or undervalued. When these occur on top of already less than inclusive practices, it can feel like a breaking point.

If you’re feeling at that point, here are some possible ways to address what’s going on:

Talk to your support system. This is the time to loop in your team. Talk to friends, family members, or colleagues who can understand and explore options with you.
Find ways to celebrate individually. Do what you need to do for you, without carrying a burden for anyone else. That might mean decorating your workspace with images that celebrate Black leaders and Black lives or setting aside time in your day for your own reflection.
Collaborate. Over the past year, many companies have realized that simply condemning racial inequity is no longer enough. You might suggest collaborating with coworkers on concrete actions like starting an employee resource group, or volunteering or donating to organizations such as the NAACP, the Advancement Project, or Black Girls Code to celebrate Black History Month in 2021.
Express your concerns. Depending on your financial security and comfort level with management, you might ask HR, your supervisor, or your employer to take steps to celebrate Black History Month in a more meaningful way. It might be easier to do this with a group of coworkers who share your concerns. And if your employer is only moved by the bottom line, countless studies have shown, there is a strong link between inclusivity and company financial outperformance.

Ultimately, it’s up to your employer to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, including ways to celebrate, appreciate, and value Black History Month. That weight shouldn’t be on you.

Black History Month is a time for inspiration. It shouldn’t be a source of stress.

If you’re feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or uncertain about what’s happening in your workplace, we’re here. Empower Work provides free, confidential support to talk about difficult issues in your workplace. Sometimes having someone to listen, and discuss a path forward, can make all the difference.

Free, confidential support from a trained peer counselor is just a text away: 510-674-1414.