Group 1001 Celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of African Americans' achievements and a time to recognize their central role in U.S. history. With support from Empower 1001, Group 1001’s Black Employee Resource Group (ERG), we have planned a series of activations for employees that honor and celebrate Black History Month.

Poetry and Creative Writing Contest - Black History Theme

Employees are encouraged to share their creativity by entering a poetry or creative contest with the theme of Black History. Later in the month, the winning poem will be announced.

Celebration of Black Excellence

At the end of the month, special guests will speak to Group 1001’s employees at our headquarters, including:

Harry Dunn, Founder of HIM By HER Foundation, working to improve the life skills and economic prospects of marginalized youth and adults

Michael Avant, Martin Luther King Jr. impersonator

Winner of the Empower 1001 poetry and creative writing contest

As part of this event, employees will enjoy a soul food lunch.

Hear from Our Employees

Group 1001 employees share what this month means to them.

"Black History Month is a time to reflect and pay homage to all the great men and women who fought and died in the pursuit of freedom from slavery, colonization, racism, and all forms of oppression. It's a time to celebrate all the wonderful Black men and women currently working and striving to better themselves and the communities around them. It's also a time to remember that we need to keep working on creating a more inclusive society not only for ourselves but for future generations."

-Senzeni Ngwenya, Associate Director, Financial Reporting

"Black History Month serves as a foundational cornerstone that allows me to embrace the power of perseverance by honoring the groundwork for freedom. It is the heartbeat of strength and spirit. It is the footprint that cherishes the stories that built bridges across time. It reminds me that every journey forward is built upon the legacy of those who dared to dream, those who had the audacity to inspire, those who had the power to heal, and those who had the courage to transform."

-Crystal Howard, Supervisor, Agency & New Business

"Black History Month is a time to highlight the past, celebrate the present, and build the future of Black excellence. It is a month that should uplift the Black culture by highlighting those who died, struggled, and worked hard to make being Black a little easier for the generations to follow. It is a month that should serve as a reminder that Black people are resiliently amazing."

-James Washington, Customer Service Manager

"Black history can be used to draw strength from those who came before us. My grandfather, one of the first Black students to graduate from a newly integrated high school, taught me the power of resilience and hard work. His journey reminds me that no obstacle is too great when we draw strength from those who came before us."-Robert Lane, Supervisor, Onyx, L&A, Suitability and Commissions

"Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience, strength, and contributions of my ancestors and the generations that came before me. It's a moment to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped not only my personal identity but the entire African American experience. This month isn’t just about the past; it's about embracing the future, continuing to uplift our community, and celebrating Black culture in all its beauty, from art and music to activism and education."

-Kim Maxey, Elite Associate