“The Black experience is not a monolith”: celebrating Black History Month at Pager
To celebrate Black History Month this year, Pager wanted to recognize and honor the multifaceted experience of being Black – shedding light on a variety of accomplishments, interests, and experiences for Black people throughout history and today. Pager Senior Training Associate Tomasin Valvassori and Office Manager Ryon Burrell, both members of Pager’s Culture Committee, launched a month of programming in collaboration with other Black members of the Culture Committee to offer space for celebration, conversation, and education, providing events and resources for team members to come together, learn more, and honor Black history. The Black experience is not a monolith; so, each week of the month focused on a different theme to emphasize different aspects of Black life and Black accomplishments.
Graphic by Tomasin Valvassori
Black people are creative
During the first week of the month, the team highlighted Black creatives and shared their stories and accomplishments across entertainment, fashion, and food. Some of those recognized include:
Writers Toni Morrison and James Baldwin
Musicians Beyonce and Lil Nas X
Actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae
Brands SAVAGE x Fenty and Telfar
And the Harlem Chocolate Factory.
The team also shared a variety of resources for additional learning, including television series, movies, and books centered on Black casts and characters or individuals. Many of the books highlighted are also available for reimbursement for Pager employees as part of our anti-racism book list, providing an opportunity for further education on anti-racism.
During the first week of the month, Pager also hosted a movie night for the team to watch a film together that focused on a Black character or Black experience. Pager employees voted between a few movie options and landed on Coming to America starring Eddie Murphy. This was a great opportunity for both Black and non-Black employees to come together to enjoy a beloved piece of Black cinema.
Graphic by Tomasin Valvassori
Black people are innovative
During the second week, the team focused on Black people in science, technology, and business, shining a spotlight on notable figures or companies and their accomplishments, both throughout history and today. For example, the team shared information about:
Dope Labs podcast hosts and scientists Dr. Zakiya Wadley and Dr. Titi Shodiya
Theoretical physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson
Myavana, a digital hair profile and healthy hair guide app
Raheem, an independent service for reporting police developed by Brandon Anderson
And Mixed Millennial, a jewelry brand to celebrate the mixed identity.
The team also hosted a roundtable for Black team members at Pager. During the roundtable, employees discussed what it meant to be Black at this point in history, how to find and express joy, and what it was like to be Black at Pager. The roundtable gave team members the space to discuss their experiences and offer areas of improvement to Pager.
Graphic by Tomasin Valvassori
Black people are restorative
During the third week, the team celebrated Black mental and physical health and wellness. During the prior week’s roundtable discussion, a question about celebrating Black joy led to discussing the idea of ‘taking care of yourself in a world that doesn’t want you to live’ – which for some meant being more meditative and in tune with themselves by celebrating just existing.
In response to that, Zia, a Black and non-binary yogi who specializes in Vinyasa flow, kid/teen yoga, Yoga Nidra, and trauma-informed practice for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people, led an all-company yoga session for any employee to participate in an hour-long yoga class. Zia believes every person should have access to a practice that grounds them in their body and in their truth, and they encouraged the team to embrace the time to listen to their bodies.
The team also shared information about individuals and organizations focused on Black health and wellness, including:
Therapy for Black Girls, an online space dedicated to mental wellness for Black girls and women
Aromatherapy candle company SHARI.Co
Earth Toned Wellness Shop
And yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley.
Graphic by Tomasin Valvassori
Black people are radical
In the final week of Black History Month, the team focused on Black activists of the past and today. The team shared stories and background on trans activism, disabled Black folx and prison abolition to highlight intersectionality within the Black experience. Some groups and individuals highlighted include:
Prof. Crystal Marie Fleming, author of “How to Be Less Stupid About Race”
Trans writer, abolitionist and community organizer Da’shaun L. Harrison
The Black Panther Party
Gay liberation activist Marsha P. Johnson
And Black Disability Collective.
Finally, the team also shared resources for mutual aid for any employees to get more involved in supporting movements for social justice.
The Black experience is not a monolith
With a diverse group of employees at Pager, it was important to the Culture Committee that our recognition of Black History Month not only educated employees and provided a space for Black employees to celebrate and speak, but also highlighted the vast variety of experiences that Black people from different backgrounds and identities have – through recognizing individuals and organizations across industries and throughout history.
Our Culture Committee is continually looking for ways to celebrate all our employees at Pager and ensure that each person feels included and welcome within the Pager community, and we look forward to more opportunities in the future to create deeper inclusivity within our organization.
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