February is Black History Month, a month-long tribute and celebration of the achievements of African Americans who struggled through adversity to achieve full citizenship and went on to impact and influence American society for generations. In 1926, the month was created as a weeklong celebration by Carter G. Woodson and was called “Negro History Week”.
To Woodson, the black experience was too important simply to be unrecognized, and he believed that his role was to use black history and culture as a weapon in the struggle for racial uplift. To read Woodson’s full story and to learn more about Black History Month, click here.
CMC celebrates and salutes African Americans who have fought against injustice and have paved the way to a brighter future. Additionally, we are excited to announce that CMC’s I.D.E.A.s Council is planning to expand the focus of Black History Month beyond February by hosting various engagement opportunities and events. Stay tuned for more information.
Thank you to our CMC team members who shared their thoughts on Black History Month and diversity and inclusion at CMC.
“African Americans have and continue to make tremendous contributions to America’s ingenuity, culture and economy despite overwhelming gaps in our legal and social equity constructs. Raising awareness of African American accomplishments in business, literature and policy can inspire our youth. Remembering our icons, and everyday citizens that turned into heroes by mobilizing to move mountains can invigorate whole communities. I am pleased to take part in the education process.”
– Yvette Brown, Senior Director, Marketing and Commercial Services (I.D.E.A.S. Council Co-Chair)
“African American History month is a time where I can rejoice and celebrate the accomplishments of my ancestors before me. Although some of my ancestors died for what they believed in, it paved the way for all our accomplishments today. I am a proud woman of color and working for a company that values diversity means that no matter what race, religion or sexuality we are, we are seen as a person and valued for being who we are.”
– Michelle Singleton, Customer Care Representative
“Celebrating diversity means everything to me. I am a strong believer that you can learn something from everyone. Diverse perspectives drive human relationships and business innovation – and I am glad to be a part of an organization that sees the importance of that in its culture.”
– Agbesi Akpedonu, Outreach Account Manager (I.D.E.A.S. Council Member)
“I am very appreciative that CMC values diversity. Prioritizing diversity in the workplace has many benefits, including a broader selection to more talent, skill and experience. Throughout my tenure at CMC, I have had more cultural insight working with diverse teams.”
– Michael Waller, Customer Care Center Manager
“For years, the African American community had been subjected to a single, unflattering theme – narratives that debilitate, divide and instill fear among other communities and amongst each other. This history month is one opportunity for telling and recognizing all the other very many wonderful African-American stories and contributions that have been ignored or deemed lost – stories that highlight our collective similarities as industrious, loving, family-oriented people on this planet, with a strong will of not just surviving, but fully living. This month, is a time to empower, to humanize and bring all communities together.”
– Michael Ozeh, Energy Engineer