At Linder Global Events, we believe in the transformative power of events to celebrate culture, foster dialogue, and drive meaningful change. Black History Month is an important time to honor the extraordinary contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers. As a Certified B Corporation® and a minority-owned small business, we’re dedicated to celebrating diversity in every aspect of what we do—not just in February, but all year round.
Ways to Celebrate Diversity Through Event Planning
Curate Purposeful Programming: Crafting event content that celebrates Black history and culture is crucial. Companies can include keynote speeches from influential Black leaders, host panel discussions on relevant topics, and feature performances that highlight cultural heritage, aiming to educate, celebrate, and empower attendees.
Partner with Black-owned Businesses: To demonstrate commitment to economic inclusivity, companies can collaborate with Black-owned vendors and service providers across various sectors, from catering to technology solutions. This not only supports the Black business community but also enriches the event experience with diverse perspectives.
“Diversity isn’t just a value – it’s an active commitment. By intentionally including Black-owned businesses and voices in our events, we amplify important stories to drive impactful change.” – Regan Lamb, Chief Executive Officer of Linder Global Events
Highlight Black Creatives: Companies can elevate their events by collaborating with Black artists, designers, and performers. This not only showcases cultural richness but also provides Black creatives with a platform to be seen and heard, enhancing the aesthetic and emotional impact of the event.
Focus on Authentic Storytelling: Incorporating the narratives of Black history and contemporary Black experiences into events is vital. Through storytelling, companies can honor historical milestones and also spotlight ongoing efforts towards equity and justice, weaving these narratives into the fabric of their events.
Offer Educational Opportunities: By designing events that include educational components like exhibits, workshops, or interactive panels, companies enable attendees to gain a deeper understanding of Black history and its modern-day implications. These learning experiences are essential for fostering dialogue and personal growth.
“Great events do more than gather people – they create spaces for meaningful engagement and growth. By focusing on education and interaction, we can build understanding and inspire action.” – Regan Lamb
Ensure Authentic Representation: Starting from the planning stages, it’s important for companies to engage with Black professionals to guide the event design process, ensuring authenticity and respect for cultural nuances. This collaborative approach helps create events that genuinely reflect and celebrate Black heritage.
Build a Lasting Legacy: Beyond a single event, companies can make a lasting impact by forming ongoing partnerships with community groups and continuing to support diversity initiatives. This long-term engagement helps sustain the momentum generated during Black History Month and reinforces a commitment to inclusion.
Integrate Intentionality in Event Planning: There are numerous ways event planners can integrate intentionality into their processes to ensure diversity is not only highlighted but celebrated. From selecting diverse speakers and culturally significant themes to choosing accessible venues and inclusive programming, every decision can contribute to a more inclusive atmosphere.
Encouraging Broader Participation in Black History Month
Black History Month is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. We are honored to create events that inspire, educate, and unite, reflecting the values of all to empower our community to build a brighter future.
Images from Generation Hope Conference in New Orleans, LA, Hope Credit Union Economic Mobility Forum in Cleveland, OH, Legends & Legacy event at The Wharf, DC.
About Linder Global Events
Sitting firmly at the intersection of strategic convening and design, the Linder Global Events Team is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of strategically designed events. We create moments of inspiration, wonder, and influence that elevate each client’s brand, mission, and strategy.