February kicks off Black History Month, an annual observance to honor the contributions of Black citizens and to recognize their struggles and triumphs throughout history. There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month in your workplace, whether your team members work remotely or everyone is back in the office. The important thing is to make it a company-wide effort so that all employees can participate.

Gautam Gayan, a content marketer at Vantage Circle, a global employee engagement platform, has outlined a few meaningful ways you can make the most of this month. We share his ideas in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

1. Support Black-owned businesses. Take a look in your community. Could you visit a Black-owned restaurant for a team lunch or browse a Black-owned shop for small gifts for your team? Investing your money in Black-owned businesses is a positive form of economic empowerment, notes Gayan.

2. Bring in speakers. How much do you know about Black history in your area? February is an ideal time to invite a guest speaker to talk about race relations or civil rights. Look for local historians, activists or authors who can share some insight and history over a team lunch-and-learn.

3. Make a donation. Consider pooling your team’s resources and making a donation to support a movement like Black Lives Matter. You could also donate to organizations like the NAACP or the Black Youth Project. Another idea is to explore Historically Black Colleges or Universities and establish a scholarship fund or participate in a mentorship program.

4. Organize a diversity and inclusion event. A diversity workshop or training program around topics affecting the Black community can help employees learn more about what minorities are experiencing, says Gayan. He suggests inviting artists from the Black community to talk about their life experiences or hiring an expert to host a formal training program.

5. Start a book club. Black History Month is a great time to celebrate Black literature. Consider starting a book club with your team members. Whether you choose fiction or nonfiction, this is a way to learn more about Black authors and reflect on Black history.

6. Become a mentor. You cannot achieve success without help, notes Gayan. Think about mentoring a Black or racial minority coworker who’s new to your team. Encourage them to showcase their talents and skills at work. When you do, you help nurture future Black leaders who can challenge inequality in the workplace and in their communities, says Gayan.

7. Volunteer your time. Another way you can honor Black History Month in the workplace is to volunteer with your team. Research Black-led nonprofits in your area and find out how you can help. Many organizations also offer virtual volunteer opportunities. You can check out options at VolunteerMatch.org.

This Black History Month, look for ways you can come together as a team to honor the Black community. From team-wide book clubs to volunteering opportunities, there are many ways to celebrate Black History Month and make inclusivity an even greater part of your culture.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Gautam Gayan is a content marketer at Vantage Circle.