About the Author

Rod McDonald
Vice President, Enterprise Applications at Perot Companies
Quest Board Member

February is recognized as Black History Month. The month honors those who have endured centuries of struggle, and those who continue to fight for civil rights.

While the first original celebration of Negro History Week was in February 1926, Black History Month was expanded to the entire month of February in 1976, the nation’s bicentennial. Negro History Week originally spanned the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two figures pivotal to abolishing slavery in the US. The initiative to establish an entire month of honor was spearheaded by author, journalist and historian, Carter G. Woodson, known most notably as the “Father” of Black History due to his influential work.

Today, there are nearly 50 million African American people in the US; from 2020 to 2060, African Americans will contribute to more than 20 percent of the total US population growth.

As part of honoring Black History Month, Quest would like to provide you with a list of key organizations serving the African American community, particularly those with a focus on technology, leadership, and professional development in functions that many of our members perform in their companies. As technology continues to change, the need for new thoughts and ideas will also increase.

Blacks in Technology
Blacks In Technology is the largest community and media organization that focuses on black women and black men in the technology industry. Through community-focused activities, events and media, Blacks In Technology (BIT) is “Stomping the Divide” by establishing a blueprint of world-class technical excellence and innovation by providing resources and guidance.

The Executive Leadership Council
The Executive Leadership Council is the preeminent member organization for the development of global black leaders. The mission is to increase the number of successful black executives — both domestically and internationally — by adding value to their development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life cycle of their careers thereby strengthening their companies, organizations, and communities.

Information Technology Senior Management Forum
ITSMF’s mission is to increase the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology, to impact organizational innovation and growth. By 2020, ITSMF will graduate 500 professionals through a series of rich, development, and career-advancing programs.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.

National Association of African American in Human Resources
The National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR) is an inspirational and unique career development and networking organization for Black and African American human resources practitioners that provides networking, career opportunities, educational and professional development, mentorship and coaching and tools, tips, and resources.

National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.
The National Association of Black Accountants is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for people of color in the Accounting, Finance, Consulting, Information Technology, and other related business professions.

National Black MBA Association
The National Black MBA Association is dedicated to developing partnerships that result in the creation of intellectual and economic wealth in the African American community. The National Black MBA Association, which has more than 9,000 members and represents more than 300 corporate partners, operates around three cornerstones—education, employment, and leadership. To date, NBMBAA was awarded over $5 million in scholarships to deserving youth and minority students.

Ideas and Resources to Celebrate Black History Month
Below are a few recommendations on how individuals and organizations can honor Black History Month and insight into what Diversity Best Practices organizations have planned.

Get Engaged Locally
There are likely several opportunities taking place in your local community. We encourage our members to research those opportunities and to evaluate how they can get involved, as an individual or as a company to support those important activities in your local community.

Virtual Opportunities
Since our members are spread across a large geographic area, here are a few virtual offerings this year to celebrate Black History Month. People can access virtual experiences, including tours of historically significant sites and much more, such as these:
 

• A walk through Harlem
• Listen to Freedom Songs Recorded During March from Selma to Montgomery
• The 2023 Black History Month Virtual Festival hosted by ASALH
• A tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• A tour of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Financial Support
Another great way to show support for Black History month is through charitable donations to organizations serving and increasing the representation of the black community in technology or other areas of importance to you.

Activities From Within the Oracle Communities

• Advance Auto Parts has celebrated Black History Month by hosting a series of events in partnership with the African American Leading Inclusion and Growth Network (ALIGN), including Advancing the Board Room with our Board Member Sherice Torres, Advance the Talk, Lunch & Learn DEI Session, and Special Programming with their Women in Motion Network
• Capgemini – last year Capgemini celebrated and honored Black History Month by hosting a volunteer campaign to teach digital literacy and tech skills to Black and African American youth in local communities. The company also posted updates on their events throughout the month to their social media platforms.
• IBM – During Black History Month, IBM is taking steps to recognize our legacy of forward thinking and racial inclusion and to highlight some of the Black IBMers who are making important contributions to our business and the world. Throughout February, initiatives across IBM will highlight and celebrate diversity and inclusion within our company and communities. We will share perspectives on issues that matter to all of us, and we will profile IBM researchers and others who are making a difference and a positive impact in their own ways.
• Taco Bell, part of YUM! Brands – To celebrate and honor Black History Month, every Tuesday in the month of February, we will spotlight one of our very own Taco Bell corporate employees who is making Modern History within the company and/or in their communities. While we’re telling their stories today, throughout the year, we will continue sharing how our Taco Bell employees across all groups make Modern History; the sharing and celebrating doesn’t stop here.