Written by: Ex Hopson (they, them), a member of Scion’s DEI Committee and Executive Recruiter for Scion Executive Search

In honor and recognition of Black History Month, our DEI committee has shared their reflections and resources below. 

2023 Black History Month

While Black History Month was observed as early as 1915, it was first formally recognized by a U.S. president in 1976. For an incredible introduction to the generational experiences and histories of Black Americans, the National Museum of African American History & Culture has a virtual exhibit entitled, “Making a Way Out of No Way,” which can be found here: https://www.searchablemuseum.com/making-a-way-entrance. Please note, this link directs to an introductory “entrance” video which will auto-play. The full exhibit follows the video with additional themes to click through and learn. 

Black Resistance

2023’s Black History Month ‘s theme is designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The year’s theme is Black Resistance, which highlights how Black Americans have worked to strengthen their own communities and oppose both historic and systemic inequalities. For more information, please find ASALH’s page on this year’s theme: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/. 

As we know, the systems created for people in the United States were not originally created for all people to succeed and the path to equality for all is actively being forged. The City University of New York’s (CUNY’s) American Social History Production, Inc. (ASHP) also created a page for further learning on the Black Resistance theme, including points of reflection and primary sources of learning: https://ashp.cuny.edu/historicizing-black-resistance-us.  

• USA Today: “From Esmeralda Simmons to Laverne Cox, here are 19 of the most influential civil rights leaders of today.”  
• CNBC: “23 Black leaders who are shaping history today.”   
• Oprah Daily: “28 Civil rights Leaders of Past and Present.” 

• ACLU: “Making Black History, Building Black Futures.”  
• National Museum of African American History & Culture: “Celebrate Black History Month 2023.” 

• Color of Change 
• African American Art & Culture Complex 
• Global Fund for Women 
• MISSSEY 
• Black Futures Lab 
• Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT (CMDIT) 
• The Bronx Community Foundation 
• American Civil Liberties Union 
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation 
• Oasis for Girls 
• Equal Rights Advocate 
• SPUR 
• The Center for Cultural Power 

 

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As we continue to learn from, recognize, and celebrate the leaders, organizations, and individuals that have worked to make this year’s 2023 Black History Month so impactful, we hope you will take time to learn alongside us. For further information on our DEI committee and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at Scion, please head to our DEI page. To learn about working with our team, please contact us here.