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Celebrating Black History

Greer Campbell • February 7, 2022

“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated,” Woodson wrote in The Journal of Negro History published April 1926.

 

Every February we celebrate Black History Month, however it is important to commemorate, educate, and acknowledge the importance of this history every month, week, and day of the year.


Black History Month originally began as Negro History Week in 1926, by historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson and other various historians shared the same mission, to continue the acknowledgement and teachings of the history of African American culture and milestones throughout time. Today, Diverse Talent would like to highlight some individuals who helped shape the black community.


L.B. Brown 1856-1941

Born a slave in 1856, Lawrence B. Brown moved to Bartow with his mother in 1885 to build houses in the community now referred to as “West Bartow”. Being born into the system of slavery, Brown broke out and overcame, to build the community of over 60 houses. In 2016, the Historic L.B. Brown House Museum was selected as an inaugural exhibit for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.


George H. Gause 1920-1986

In 1968, Gause became the first Black person to be elected to Bartow’s City Commission, before being elected as the first Black mayor in 1971. Some other honors of Gause include being named citizen of the year by the Lakeland Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, the Human Relations Award in Education from Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association. In April 2000, Gause Academy of Leadership and Applied Technology was dedicated. He was inducted into the Polk County Hall of Fame in 2002.


Althea Margaret Daily Mills 1924-2008

Ms. Mills was a civil rights activist and the first Black career employee of the US Postal Service in Winter Haven. In 1963, Mills filed a lawsuit against the Polk County School District eventually leading to the integration of county schools. Mills fought for equal education of black students, referring to a time where her son’s textbook skipped from page 3-35 “You can’t learn like that” Mills stated. We celebrate the fruits of her labor, and her constant pursuit for equality.


Ann E. Darby 1932-2021

As the first Black women on the Winter Haven’s City Commission, Darby established various committees including the Community Relations Committee, and was the leader in development on getting affordable housing and transit services for the community. She was a voice to the impoverished, and a voice to bring about equality in the community. “She opened the doors for those impoverished areas of the community to have better access and economic living conditions”


These are just a few of the influential leaders of the Black community, and the legacy they left us with. The fight for equality and access is far from over, so continue to educate yourself and those around you, to push these leaders’ mission forward.

Making Change: Black History Month 2025

By Greer Campbell • February 12, 2025
While we are only 2 months into 2025, it may feel we’ve lived many lifetimes already. February is Black History Month, and this year it is essential to celebrate and support leaders and people of influence more than ever. As media coverage and information continue to grow at the tip of our fingers, it’s easy to feel that being just one person, you can’t make a huge difference for huge causes, but that is not the case. As professionals, every year we meet with our team, with our supervisors, and focus on goal setting. One major suggestion when entering this planning stage, has always been to set achievable goals. Don’t create chaos in your mind trying to achieve an unachievable goal, our supervisors tell us. The same goes for support change and community. You don’t have to be a major donor to a cause, or a legislator, decision-maker to be the change you want to see. Black history month is and always has been essential to education and honoring stories and perspectives of those that paved the way for communities of the present and future. Below, we’ve outlined ways to be an ally and support Black History Month this month, and every month after. Shop Local, Black Owned Businesses Small businesses thrive off community support. Individual care and attention go into each service and product a local business produces. So, next time you need a coffee on the go, a brunch spot to meet your friends, a new work outfit, or a concert for your next weekend outing, do a google search of black owned businesses around you, try it out, and refer your friends. Educate Yourself Did you know it was a black woman, Marie Van Brittan Brown, that invented the first home security system, which included a camera, peepholes, and a two-way communication system? Or a black man, Garrett Morgan, who invented the 3-light traffic light? Many life changing and saving innovations are credited to people of color, specifically African American people. Doing research and educating yourself on black leaders and people of influence can continue the knowledge and support of the black community, and further the narrative that teams and ideas flourish under diverse perspectives. Volunteer Act, to make change. Research organizations and causes that support racial justice, social equality, and community development. Join groups that work together to support community and engage your skill sets to work together and make a change. Ask the Questions, Use Your Voice See something, say something. If you see a coworker experiencing discrimination, call it out. If your organization is not operating inclusively, set a meeting with your manager to start the conversation. For more information on causes to support, where to start, and how to make change, contact Diverse Talent.

Goal-Setting for Leaders: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

By Greer Campbell • January 8, 2025
As the New Year kicks off, leaders are invited to take time to redefine aspirations for personal and professional growth. Goal setting as a leader helps to push forth an environment of accountability and ambition within teams. By embracing SMART goals ( S pecific M easurable A chievable R elevant T ime-bound) leaders provide strategy and achievable goals that resonate with evolving demands of 2025. If you are finding yourself drawing a blank in beginning the stages of goal setting for 2025, see below for a guide and items to consider adding to your spread: Begin by reflecting on the past year. What went well? What challenges arose? What needs to be discontinued? Identifying achievements and problem areas from the previous year can help in defining where to focus in the new year. This reflective process lays the groundwork for future successes. Connect with different teams and lead discussions to gain all perspectives of previous work, with a clear understanding of past performance and data. Engage your Team. When charting the course for the company’s future, engaging the team in thoughtful dialogue to gather invaluable feedback about ongoing projects and programs helps leaders understand not only what has fueled the organization’s successes, but also what challenges remain. True growth stems not only from pursuing high targets, but also from embracing diverse perspectives and insights from your team. Set Accountability Measures. Once your goals are set, it’s imperative to continue check ins and maintain accountability throughout the year. Scheduling 360 reviews with your teams s not just a procedural obligation, but an essential practice to ensure everyone feels encouraged to receive and give feedback and gain valuable insights that can shape the professional development of the team. Moreover, continuing the refinement of established goals is vital for maintaining focus and direction. As your team engages in regular discussions about their objectives, it facilitates a dynamic process of assessment and adjustment. This ongoing refinement not only ensures that everyone remains aligned with the overall vision but also fosters individual accountability, making each team member a crucial part of the larger mission. Continue your Leadership Education and Professional Development. Continued education is at the forefront for continued success of your individual position and company. Sharpen your leadership skills and ensure you’re up to date on how to effectively lead your team with online or in person programs. Diverse Talent’s DT University is a virtual, 6-session course focused on refining leadership qualities and skills. Meet with a mentor each week and learn through facilitated conversations and workshops to enhance your leadership abilities. For more information, contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com , or visit our website at www.diverse-talent.com .
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