February 1st marks the start of Black History Month. During this time, we have a chance to focus on the significant role Black populations have played in shaping the world and to celebrate their contributions to society that have often gone overlooked.

By highlighting the accomplishments, rich cultural heritage, and enduring legacy of the African diaspora, we can promote greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of Black experiences and perspectives. Explore a few ways you can commemorate Black History Month in 2024 below.

African Americans and the Arts

The Black History Month 2024 theme is “African Americans and the Arts.” This theme highlights the significant impact that African Americans have had in various artistic fields such as “visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression.” This theme also allows us to explore art as a platform for social justice. 

Black History Month Themes– Association for the Study of African American Life and History– The Founders of Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month 2024 | National Museum of African American History and Culture

Black History Month: Staff Open Mic

On Thursday, February 22, over 50 staff members tuned in to join us in celebrating African Americans and the Arts at our Staff Open Mic. Thank you to all the staff members who shared a poem, story, song, or reading from their favorite Black artist or themselves, including: 

• The Mobile Clinic team, with Outreach Services Manager John Lane on guitar, sang "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
• Client Service Manager Juanita Peterson read the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes
• Therapist Case Manager Deborah Woolford, LMSW read "Human Family" by Maya Angelou
• Lead Client Service Representative Gia Johnson delivered a reading on "The Evolution of Fashion in the Black community"
• Client Service Representative Yvette Giles, a published author, shared about her book "The Life of a B-More Girl"
• Senior Client Relations Manager Malcolm Williams, LCSW-C performed an original poem, "Baltimore Blues"
• Therapist Case Manager Shauna Griffin, LMSW delivered an original poem, "My ray of sunshine."
• Lead Therapist Case Manager II Tammy Montague, LCSW-C sang "He Keeps on Doing" in the style of Benjamin Dube. 

WATCH THE LIVESTREAM (FOR STAFF ONLY)

For Staff: BHM Reflection

Plus, chances to enter a raffle for gift cards to local Black-owned establishments

The heritage committee would like for you to share with us a Black artist (painter, writer, singer, actor, poet, dancer, author etc.) whose work has impacted you and in what way(s).

To submit your response, email REI Health Specialist, Arie Hayre-Somuah with the subject “ Black History Month Raffle” by February 22^nd, 2023 COB.

Responses submitted will be shared out with the community and participants will be entered to win 1 of 2 $25.00 gift cards to a local Black owned business!

Email Arie Hayre-Somuah

For Staff: "Who Were They?" Challenge

​Join us for an introduction to Black History Month on January 25th during the All staff meeting. Client Access Project Coordinator, Alkema Jackson, and Senior Client Relations Manager, Malcolm Williams, will lead an activity to get to know Black History.

Check out our presentation here

Advocacy Corner

The legislative session is a great opportunity to advance justice in our State. Policies impacting racial equity are no exception. Every bill that we work on must be analyzed with a racial equity lens and there are a number of policies that can have an enormous impact on racial equity. 

Get to know bill SB 370/HB 428, which would create eviction prevention funding through community schools. While there are people of every background in every corner of the state facing the threat of eviction today, Maryland’s long history of housing segregation and other discriminatory policies means that Black and Brown Marylanders are much more likely to be at risk of eviction. Black and Brown Marylanders are also much more likely to face structural barriers that affect their economic stability and mean it is much more likely they are just getting by. Ensuring that Black and Brown families have access to the vital lifeline of eviction prevention and avoid the poverty, job loss, and poor education and health outcomes that result from eviction will help right the wrongs of the past and expand opportunity.

 Particularly as it relates to children, because of structural racism, One in Four Black children in rental households face the threat of eviction in a typical year. It is unacceptable.

Eviction prevention through rental assistance furthers racial equity categorically - Black-led (74%) households have avoided eviction with help from the state’s current emergency rental assistance program and likely will be evicted at much higher rates unless the Governor and General Assembly take action. It is time for the General Assembly to pass SB 370/HB 428!

To ask questions, learn more, or offer testimony, please reach out to Director of Public Policy, Joanna Diamond!

Explore these resources to build your foundation of Black history knowledge and ways to commemorate Black History Month all year round:

Upcoming Black History Month Events in 2024:

View the Black History Month 2023 webpage

2024 Planning committee:

Adedoyin Eisape, REI Program Manager II • Engagement & Policy

Arie Hayre-Somuah, REI Health Specialist • Behavioral Health

Alkema Jackson, She She/Her They/Them, Client Access Project Coordinator • Quality

Joanna Diamond, Director of Public Policy • Engagement & Policy

Malcolm Williams, Senior Client Relations Manager • Engagement & Policy

Janel Taylor, Talent Program Manager • Human Resources

Lisa Lefavore, Call Center Manager • Practice Operations

Christina Bauer, Director of Development • Development

Kyler Young, Case Manager • Housing Services

Isaiah Rigsby, SOAR Coordinator • Behavioral Health

Reach out to the Black History Month Planning Committee if you are interested in learning more, supporting upcoming events, or have any feedback.