We are honored to celebrate Black History Month. Each week during February 2024, we will profile one of our employees and share in their own words what Black history means to them.
Shreen Morrison
Manager, Corporate Accounting
Black History Month holds a profound significance for me, serving as an annual journey of reflection, celebration and advocacy. We are more than our past in this country as the enslaved. It is a time to emphasize the resilience, accomplishments and cultural richness of the African American community, acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping our collective history. Black History Month is an opportunity for introspection and a commitment to fostering positive change in both personal and professional spheres.
One of the fundamental ways I celebrate Black History Month is through education and community service. I believe that spreading awareness by educating all community members about the accomplishments of Black leaders, artists, scientists and activists is crucial in dismantling stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive society. Celebrating goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it involves active engagement in the community throughout the year.
Volunteer events play a crucial role in translating understanding into action. Alongside my family and friends, I volunteer for community service projects that inspire a sense of responsibility, empathy and motivation and specifically emphasize the transformative potential of collective action to contribute to a more equitable and united society. It is essential to encourage allyship as we actively work towards a more inclusive future. When multiplied, small acts of kindness and involvement create a ripple effect that fosters a sense of community.
In the workplace, initiatives promoting inclusivity are vital for fostering a diverse and equitable environment. Employee resource groups (ERG) provide a platform for networking, mentorship and cultural exchange. In 2018, I was one of the co-founders of the African American Resource Council (AARC), I understand the significance of ERGs in driving positive change. AARC’s founding mission, centered on creating a cultural shift that fosters trust, transparency and better inclusion, has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and providing opportunities for African Americans within the company.
AARC’s core values, encapsulated by the 4Cs–culture, community, communication and cultivation–drive the initiatives for its members. These values emphasize the importance of building a workplace culture that values diversity, creating a supportive community, fostering open communication and cultivating opportunities for professionals to reach their full potential. Additionally, I believe companies should implement policies that address unconscious bias and promote equal and fair opportunities in leadership.
Black History Month is a time for reflection, celebration and action. By educating ourselves and others, engaging in volunteer events and actively promoting inclusivity in the workplace, we can collectively contribute to a society that values diversity and equality. Let us embrace Black History all year, not only as a commemoration of the past but as a catalyst for positive change in the present and future.
