This month is Black History Month and presents the perfect time to educate yourself and your family on the importance of the history behind it all. Learn more about how Black History Month originated in the U.S. and learn ways in which you can celebrate it as well.
What is Black History Month?
Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week" in February 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1970, Black United Students and Black educators at Kent State University expanded this idea to include an entire month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month.
Black History Month is recognized every February to commemorate and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Blacks in the U.S. It honors Black men and women who have made significant contributions to America and the rest of the world in the fields of science, politics, law, sports, the arts, entertainment and many other fields.
How can I celebrate Black History Month?
You can celebrate Black History Month through education and understanding. There are books and documentaries that will give you a foundation and understanding of the challenges and the accomplishments of the Black community. You can also show support by supporting Black-owned restaurants and businesses, donating to Black charities and organizations, visiting museums and exhibits showcasing Black history, art and culture.
Learn more about Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s inclusion and diversity team
With the full support of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance’s executive leadership team, our company implemented an inclusion and diversity council. This council is representative of our workforce and consists of 19 employees and agents with the support of two executive sponsors. Each member brings a collection of skills and opinions that are considered significant to the success of the council and will provide direction for the functional areas that they represent. Our current primary focus is on the education of inclusion and diversity initiatives for the workforce and organization.
Why is diversity and inclusion important in the workplace?
Diversity brings many advantages to an organization such as increased performance and creativity, measurable profitability, stronger leadership involvement and better decision-making abilities. Employees with diverse backgrounds bring their own perspectives which lead to increased collaboration and cultivates innovation. Inclusion and diversity expand the talent pool to build more effective teams and leads to better representation for the customers, communities and organizations we serve.
How to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
The best way to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace is to foster a company culture where every voice is welcome, heard and respected. In order to do this, we must recognize our unconscious biases and be aware of how they can affect others. Our biases are influenced by our background, culture and personal experiences. Understanding and overcoming these biases in the workplace will lead to collaboration, diversity of thought and innovation.
What does diversity and inclusion mean to Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance?
Inclusion and diversity are important to our company because we strive to create and foster an environment where everyone feels confident and comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We are committed to promoting inclusion and diversity by continuously educating ourselves and our organization through various initiatives.
These actions are demonstrated by building a culture of conscious inclusion and being intentional about creating an environment that encourages, supports, values and celebrates everyone.