Every year on February 1, Black History Month kicks off the widespread observation and remembrance of Black achievements, innovations and leaders that have enriched the world as we know it today. What residents of the Windy City may not realize, though, is that Black History Month was born out of inspirational ideas rooted in Chicago’s past.
It was during the city’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation when University of Chicago graduate and “Father of Black History” Dr. Carter G. Woodson realized he wanted to do more to honor Black heritage and ancestry in America, according to a report by the NAACP. In an effort to preserve historical Black contributions he believed were overlooked in school textbooks, Woodson launched the first Negro History Week in February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
As schools and scholarly organizations across the country rapidly embraced the initiative, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History — co-founded in Chicago by Woodson — then established multiple nationwide branches in order to keep up with the demand for course materials and additional resources. Following decades of positive response to the week-long event, Black History Month was officially recognized by the U.S. government in 1976.
Recognition, however, only goes so far. As the tech industry continues to strive for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in 2022, leaders are aware that actions speak much louder than words — especially when considering the fact that only 52 percent of Black employees said they felt respected and valued by peers and leaders, according to Built In’s 2021 State of DEI in Tech Report. That’s why Chicago companies like Cisco Meraki are making a difference during Black History Month through real-world impact, just as Woodson sought to do 96 years prior.
Built In Chicago caught up with an employee from Cisco Meraki to learn more about how employee resource groups at his company are empowering Black team members through professional speaking events, educating allies with historical trivia and building a stronger community through virtual career workshops all this month.
In honor of Black History Month, what is your company doing this year to celebrate Black history?
I am honored to be a part of Cisco Meraki’s employee resource organization (ERO) Connected Black Professionals (CBP). The organization’s mission is to foster professional development and collaboration to support the Black community, friends, and allies at Meraki and beyond. For Black History Month, one of the ways CBP is celebrating African American history is through a companywide trivia challenge. Hosting a fun and informative event is a great way to make a connection across teams.
We will also be partnering with other EROs such as CAAN (Connected Asian Affinity Network), WOM (Women of Meraki), and others to host intersectionality speaking events.
What other activities or charitable initiatives do you have planned for Black History Month?
This year, we are focused on supporting our community and talent through volunteer acts at homeless shelters and food pantries in predominantly African American communities throughout Chicago and San Francisco. We are also partnering with our talent acquisition team to host virtual career events and workshops for aspiring professionals.
What are some ongoing programs, initiatives or benefits your company offers to support and empower Black employees throughout the year?
Cisco Meraki is committed to inclusion and has given us the resources and support we need to empower ourselves to develop and grow our careers.
Cisco also partners with multiple organizations geared toward Black empowerment, some of which I have enjoyed attending, such as The Executive Leadership Council and the Information Technology Senior Management Forum. These fantastic organizations are committed to helping Black professionals continue to grow and succeed.
Organizations Geared Toward Black Empowerment
- The Executive Leadership Council: This organization’s mission is to increase the number of successful Black executives by adding value to their development, leadership and philanthropic endeavors across the lifecycle of their careers.
- The Information Technology Senior Management Forum: For 25 years, ITSMF has dedicated itself to cultivating talent among Black technology professionals in order to increase representation at senior levels.
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