The past few years have especially shown us that Black history is occurring right before our eyes, and we wanted to acknowledge both the historical and present-day achievements and struggles of BIPOC. Here are some of the ways Hireology celebrated Black History Month.
Our contributions
“Hireology is not only celebrating, but embracing Black History Month,” said Terry Adams, Hireology’s VP of People. “Black History is American history and Black History Month is a time to commemorate the work of Black people before us and look forward to the contributions to come. I am inspired by the various activities Hireology has planned for the month. This includes our partnership with B.E.A.R., the book/movie club discussion of Byran Stevenson’s ‘Just Mercy’ and the historical references in the slack channel celebrating the contributions of Black leaders in arts, literature and tech. Hireolgy embraces Black History Month and fosters diversity, equity and inclusion.”
“Black History is American history and Black History Month is a time to commemorate the work of Black people before us and look forward to the contributions to come.”
Terry Adams, Hireology’s VP of People
The B.E.A.R. Initiative Lunch and Learn and Legal Clinic Fundraiser
In partnership with our quarterly-selected non-profit organization, B.E.A.R. Initiative, we hosted a Lunch and Learn with Terrence Cleveland, the organization’s co-founder. Hireologists were given insight into the organization’s efforts to build, empower, advocate, and revolutionize the minds of youth and adults caught in the prison system. According to the NAACP, BIPOC are incarcerated at more than five times the rate of white individuals, and BIPOC constitute for 34% of the total 6.8 million correctional population.
Hireology also worked with B.E.A.R. Initiative to raise money for the organization’s upcoming legal clinic for residents of Cook County, Illinois to assist individuals with record expungement and sealing in order to broaden their career opportunities.
“During one of my conversations with Terrence, he said to me, ‘You can’t really reprogram an adult, but you can reteach a child,’ and that really stuck with me,” said Kelsey McClelland, a Customer Training Specialist at Hireology. “I firmly believe that it will be the next few generations that will begin to see any changes made in society, but only if we act now. One of the foundations for such a change is learning about and facing the ugly parts of American and Black American history. If my fiancé and I choose to have children, they will be mixed race,” said Kelsey. “I would want to hope that there is a more equal world in store for them and to be able to tell them I was a part of that change.”
Camilla Blackburn, Hireology’s People Programs Manager, also shared why working with the B.E.A.R. Initiative means so much to her. “I appreciate that we had a focus when it came to learning more about the black experience and that we took the time to understand the injustices as it pertains to the criminal justice system.,” said Camilla. “It makes me angry and sad to learn more about the unequal treatment of Black Americans but also motivates me to be part of the solution. I am happy that beyond just learning about black history this month, we will have ways to make an impact and be a part of the solution through partnering with the B.E.A.R. Initiative.”
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“If my fiancé and I choose to have children, they will be mixed race. I would want to hope that there is a more equal world in store for them and to be able to tell them I was a part of that change.”
Kelsey McClelland, a Customer Training Specialist at Hireology
Book Club on “Just Mercy”
Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council hosted a book club on Bryan Stevenson’s book “Just Mercy” about a death row defense attorney and his fight to challenge justice system bias against the poor and People of Color.
Hireologists discussed the ways in which the criminal justice system has historically worked against People of Color and those without money to afford defense, and shared personal experiences and stories related to the details of Stevenson’s biography. We even had a surprise video reel from one of our employee’s 14-year-old on his thoughts and reflection of Just Mercy.
“It makes me angry and sad to learn more about the unequal treatment of Black Americans but also motivates me to be part of the solution.”
Camilla Blackburn, Hireology’s People Programs Manager
Historical recalls
Throughout the month, Bryan Fordham, a Senior Engineer at Hireology, shared significant events that relate to BIPOC that took place in history on the same day. He shared with the company details about congress’s ratification of the 15th amendment of the US Constitution that gave African American men the right to vote, Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after acquittal after 27 years served, Alice Coachman, the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, and many more notable accounts of important Black History.
“It’s important for Hireology to celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout history, shine light on the diverse contributions of Black culture and to bring awareness to the ongoing fight against systemic racism.”
Michelle Bui, Hireology’s Integrated Marketing Communications Manager
Our work continues
“It’s important for Hireology to celebrate the achievements of Black people throughout history, shine light on the diverse contributions of Black culture and to bring awareness to the ongoing fight against systemic racism,” said Michelle Bui, Hireology’s Integrated Marketing Communications Manager. “It’s a time to get our entire team to come together to listen, learn and discover ways to take action towards racial justice.”
Hireology pledges to continue our efforts to support and uplift the historical contributions of BIPOC this month and beyond, and are thankful to all our employees for their participation.
