February 1st marks the start of Black History Month. During this time, we have a chance to focus on the significant role Black populations have played in shaping the world and to celebrate their contributions to society that have often gone overlooked.

By highlighting the accomplishments, rich cultural heritage, and enduring legacy of the African diaspora, we can promote greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of Black experiences and perspectives. Explore a few ways you can commemorate Black History Month in 2023 below:

CommuniTea Conversation: A Discussion on Food and Tradition 

Join us on Feburary 23rd at 1 p.m to drink your favorite tea and reflect on a few short videos related to food, culture, and community for Black History Month. RSVP with Talent Program Manager Janel Taylor. 

Missed our CommuniTea Conversation? You can still watch and reflect with your teams or on your own.

View PowerPoint

Health Equity & Wellness

This Black History Month, as we celebrate the resilience, strength and enduring spirit of our Black communities, let's also celebrate and support their health, joy and peace. Peruse five themes of rest, restoration, replenishment, reconnection, and reinvigoration for ideas on how to prioritize your wellbeing!

Read more

For Staff: We want to hear from you during BHM

Plus, three chances to enter a raffle for gift cards to local Black-owned establishments

1. Share a photo of yourself depicting Black joy! Email REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah with a photo – from hanging with the family, to dancing or creating. We’ll create a collage to share back with staff at the end of the month.
2. Submit a recipe from the Black diaspora by 2/24. Have a favorite meal or food-related memory from growing up? Share the recipe here to be included in a digital staff cookbook. Photos welcomed!
3. Attend CommuniTea Conversation: A Discussion on Food and Tradition on 2/23 at 1 p.m. Ready your favorite tea and reflect on a few short videos related to food, culture and community. Talent Program Manager Janel Taylor is hosting, and all staff are encouraged to join in on Teams.

Resilience, Creativity, and Joy in Afrofuturism

Black History Month is a time to recognize the realities, contributions, and achievements of Black populations with an eye toward the future. The past, present, and future come together in the concept of Afrofuturism.

Afrofuturism is a philosophical movement and cultural aesthetic that blends science fiction, technology, and culture from the African Diaspora. This movement uses an Afrocentric lens to create narratives that reclaim Black histories, challenge stereotypes, shift power dynamics, and embrace individuality and cultural heritage. Afrofuturism offers a unique vision of the future that celebrates blackness and allows black people to imagine a world free from the limitations imposed by historical and contemporary racism, oppression, and discrimination. It is a tool for resistance, hope, joy, empowerment, and liberation for Black people to reclaim Black narratives and promote cultural pride, empowerment, and healing. Check out these resources below to explore how the movement has evolved and ways to support Afrofuturist art and culture: 

• Afrofuturism - Research Guides at Columbia College Chicago Library
• What is Afrofuturism and Why Is it a Blueprint for Our future | Architectural Digest
• Afrofuturism: Where Technology, Culture and the Black Experience Meet | HowStuffWorks
• Afrofuturism in the Stacks | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Upcoming Black History Month Events in 2023:

Check out more at:

Soul and Blues: Music Maker Foundation Showcase
Black History Month | National Museum of African American History and Culture
Black History Month 2023: Black Resistance | Library of Congress
Black History Month Events - Baltimore Magazine
Experience African American History In Baltimore | Visit Baltimore
Black History Month | Visitmaryland.Org
Black History Month Events, Exhibits, And Tours | Baltimore Magazine
Dc Black History Month Calendar
Ways To Celebrate Black History Month In Washington, Dc

Explore these resources to build your foundation of Black history knowledge and ways to commemorate Black History Month all year round:

Planning committee:

Adedoyin Eisape, REI Program Manager II • Chair

Faith Timothy, Certified Medical Assistant • Week 2 Lead [Black Inventors and Innovators]

Arie Hayre-Somuah, REI Health Specialist • Week 3 Lead [Health Equity and Wellness]

Janel Taylor, Talent Program Manager • Week 4 Lead [Black Food and Community] 

Reach out to the Black History Month Planning Committee if you are interested in learning more, supporting upcoming events, or have any feedback.