Diversity & Inclusion
The History of Juneteenth and Importance of Celebrating It
Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed to celebrate African American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas (southeast of Houston), Juneteenth was originally celebrated on June 19, 1866. That date marked the first anniversary of the day that African Americans in Galveston first…
Join Me in Celebrating National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Since 2006, the month of June has been celebrated in the United States as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The month of recognition highlights the contributions and rich legacy that people of Caribbean heritage have made in this country. Here is a proclamation from the White House, signed by President Biden on May 31, 2022. …
Why It Makes Good Sense To Celebrate Gay Pride During the Month of June for Your LGBTQ+ Staff and for Your Customers
The month of June is Gay Pride Month throughout the world, marking the turmoil and protests that the LGBTQ+ had after the Stonewall riots, where the NYPD invaded the Stonewall Inn, a gay nightclub in Greenwich Village, New York City, on June 28, 1969. This milestone galvanized the community to come together and fight for…
Why, After 13 Years, I’ve Gone Back to My Natural Curls?
I was born with hair, and lots of it! When I was little my mom told me that other women would KILL for hair like mine. As I grew older, I noticed all of the popular girls had straight and mostly blonde hair. But I continued with my dark, curly, and sometimes unruly hair (and…
Celebrating New Zealand During Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in the United States, celebrating the many contributions made by people from this region of the world. They include people from New Zealand, New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Vietnam, the Philippines, Samoa, Thailand, Kiribati, the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, the Solomon Islands,…
The Importance of Mental Health Days
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s time to break the stigma of mental illness. Employers can really take the lead in shifting preconceived notions attached to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Mental Wellness is Important This may come as a shock, but mental health days are just as important as sick…
DEI: Keep It Simple
The term Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) may be common knowledge, but it’s not commonly understood. Relating it to a real-life situation always helps to clarify what something means. You want everyone invited to your party. That’s diversity. Let everyone at your party contribute to the playlist. That’s inclusion. Everyone should have the same opportunity…
How YOU Can Make a Difference on Earth Day
Who remembers those PSA commercials featuring Smokey the Bear and Woodsy Owl? Only you can prevent forest fires. Give a hoot – don’t pollute! Or the Sesame Street cartoon where Frank the fish calls Carl on the phone to tell him not to leave the water running while brushing his teeth or the lake will…
Celebrate National Volunteer Month
April is National Volunteer Month – a month dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by donating their time and talents to worthy causes. Why volunteer? Volunteering is a great way to give back or make a difference in someone’s life. It brings people together and strengthens the…
The Impact of COVID-19 on Gender Equality
March is Gender Equality Month, and it’s hard to believe in the year 2022, we experience the level of gender inequality we do – not only in the workforce but in life in general. The Covid-19 pandemic has not helped bridge that gap by any means; in fact, it forced a significant setback. “Across the…
