Summary

The author describes a personal experience where their workplace rebranded Black History Month as "Cultural Month," leading to a dilution of Black history and culture amidst insensitive behavior from some non-Black colleagues.

Abstract

During February 2020, the author and their husband anticipated a celebration of Black History Month at their workplace, which had a history of supporting minority voices. However, they were met with disappointment when the company announced that February would be "Cultural Month," encouraging everyone to celebrate their own cultures during Black History Month. This decision was seen as disrespectful and led to a series of culturally insensitive incidents, including mockery of Black physical features and dismissive comments about Black history. The author emphasizes the importance of respecting distinct cultural heritage months and expresses frustration over the company's attempt to include all cultures in a month dedicated to Black history, which they felt diminished its significance.

Opinions

The author and their spouse were initially excited and hopeful about their workplace's recognition of Black History Month.
The rebranding of Black History Month to "Cultural Month" was perceived as a move that could trivialize Black histories and achievements.
The author and their Black colleagues, including Leslie, felt disrespected and angered by the company's decision.
The author points out hypocrisy in the workplace, as other cultural celebrations like Latinx Heritage Month are respected without similar attempts to combine them with other cultures.
The author believes that the company's decision was misguided and failed to consider the feelings and history of the Black community.
There is a sense of frustration and disappointment towards the company's leadership for not understanding the importance of dedicated months for specific cultures.
The author suggests that the company's attempt to avoid hurting the feelings of non-Black employees during Black History Month was unnecessary and indicative of low self-esteem among those groups.
Despite the negative experience, the author reiterates the value of cultural diversity and the importance of celebrating each culture appropriately and respectfully.

That Time Black History Month Became Everyone’s Month At Work

This is how Black histories and triumphs get muddled and passed over

Ever feel like you are in the Twilight Zone? Where nothing makes sense and you begin to think perhaps that ride you took to work, went through a time warp of some sort?

That’s how I felt February 2020 at my last job.

My husband and I were contemplating buying more African American books and more African inspired shirts to wear for Black History Month, and we were excited because typically our job at the time really believed in “minorities” having a voice, having lots of potlucks, and many activities and games to keep us motivated.

That particular month, I knew they would get it right. Even if they did not have games or anything, just me appreciating having that month was fine because in my household Black History is 24/7 not just 28 days.

We learned through an email, that February would be considered Cultural Month now. So according to the email, everyone will be participating and respecting their own culture during Black History Month.

You read that right. During. Black. History. Month.

When my husband and I read that, we were like, “No way. This is some kind of joke.” Every other month we respected those months and did not try to hijack it to be funny. Yet here we are with the CEO saying it’s now Cultural Month.

We spoke to a Black woman at the front desk. We’ll call her Leslie.

Leslie was just as pissed as we were.

“I spoke with the head people already,” she said.

We were like, “What was their response?”

She shrugged and gave us a tired look: “They don’t want others to feel left out. So it is now Cultural Day.”

I felt steam pour out of my ears because for the rest of the month we saw gaudy gowns worn by the Hispanics/Latinx. Cultural Kimonos by the Asians and the rest were not participating at all.

The problem with all this, is that the Latinas would make fun of Black women’s noses and hair. They did this regularly.

They called one Black woman’s hair a Q-tip and laughed about our noses. I did not witness this personally, but it was discussed between us and someone who sat near the Latinas.

Also, when the Blacks walked by with their nice African inspired gowns, a Cuban woman said, “They are not even from Africa!”

The second problem I have with the company, is that too much of the positive side of African/Black history is deluded or ignored. This is National and Global of course.

This was the perfect time to not All Lives Matter our situation.

The Hispanics get their Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15. In fact, during those times, I usually promote and read books by Latinx writers and respect that month. I respect and love Cinco De Mayo and would never want to water it down by including Black History or other kinds of histories.

It’s called respect.

Yet somehow, the CEO did not want people to “feel bad”.

If their self-esteem is that low that they are upset with Black History month, then I suggest that for 28 of those days, they call out sick — because they are.

Conclusion

I don’t want this article to come off as hatred or bitter because I am person of the Culture. I am happy we aren’t all the same and we should celebrate one another. I am a firm believer in this.

My problem is how it was executed at my old job.

It bothered me that the entire month was hijacked to make grown folks feel better. It further proved that as crazy as us Black people can be, we have a big heart and high self-esteem(usually) because White history, Latinx months and other cultural fests don’t rub us the wrong way. Why should it?

Thoughts?

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