Celebrating Black History Month: Honoring African Americans and Labor

It’s Black History Month in the United States in Canada this February, and we’re reflecting on and honoring the vital contributions of Black Americans and Canadians. This year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” emphasizes the invaluable impact and dedication of Black individuals in various industries, so here at Blackbaud, we’re celebrating the impact of Black individuals on progress in tech.

We asked employees about the figures from Black History who inspire them in their own efforts in tech for social impact.

Brock Brown, who supports the Blackbaud Partner Program, finds powerful personal inspiration for his work in tech from his family history: “My great-grandfather, Ivory Fowler, was a hardworking sharecropper who dreamed of his children attending school full-time, breaking free from the cycle of hardship. I carry [his] legacy and many other African American pioneers daily in the technology space, driving meaningful impact, inspired by his determination to build a better tomorrow for future generations.”

Tanya Turschic and Erikca Rouse from Blackbaud’s Customer Success team both named Kymberly Bryant as a modern inspiration. Kymberly Bryant is “an electrical engineer, visionary, activist and influential leader in the tech industry. She is Founder and Executive Director of Black Girls CODE, a program dedicated to introducing girls of color to computer programming and creating pathways in STEM,” explains Tanya. She represents “resilience, creativity, and brilliance” to Erikca.

For historical inspiration, “Just watch the film Hidden Figures to see the extraordinary journey of three African American women who worked as mathematicians at NASA in the 60s,” says Tanya.

Other employees shared how their own impact is shaped by heroes of Black history. “My success model reflects the Civil Rights Movement’s broader impact on all minority groups,” shares Joseph Harris, who works on Blackbaud’s benefits team. “Recognizing that my work in healthcare and benefits impacts everyone, I address disparities of health.”

For David Benjamin, Chief Commercial Officer, his work in the tech industry is deeply inspired by his parents. “Their resilience, determination, and belief in creating a better future have shaped my commitment to helping others make an impact.” During this month, we celebrate stories like theirs. “Stories of overcoming barriers, building legacies that inspire progress and reminding us we are better together.”

Throughout the month of February, Blackbaud employees will have the opportunity to participate in special volunteering and learning opportunities for Black History Month.