Celebrate Black History Month 2022
Today marks the start of Black History Month, a celebration of the contributions the Black community has made to this country and a time to reflect on the continued struggle for racial justice.
Why do we celebrate Black history in February? For more than 85 years, Americans have set aside time in February to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. Originally founded by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week in 1926, Black History Month was officially expanded to a month-long celebration in 1976 by President Gerald Ford to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." You can read more about the history of Black History Month here.
While the annual celebration has since expanded in reach to include festivals, public forums, and celebrations across the country, far too often the contributions of Black LGBTQ+ people are often left out of the picture. From civil rights leader Bayard Rustin to community advocate Mandy Carter to well-renowned inventor George Washington Carver, black LGBT people have enriched our nation and our lives. Read more about Black LGBT Pioneers who made history.
The Chamber is committed to diverse and inclusive programming every day of the year in our work for equality for all, we know that our work is not complete until the most marginalized within our LGBTQ community have achieved that equality. This Black History Month and beyond, let us celebrate our progress, let us be inspired by our history, and let us recommit to the work ahead.
Join us this month as we specifically highlight Black business owners and special events throughout. Register now and get connected.
- February Brewing Up Business: Our monthly networking event will be hosted by the National Museum of African American Music, the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. Come connect with Chamber and community members in this beautiful new space. Admission is free for members and first-time guests!
- "Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke" Discussion & Reception: In celebration of Black History Month, the Nashville LGBT Chamber and Music City Baseball are pleased to bring you a discussion with New York Times bestselling author Andrew Maraniss on his new book Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke, the remarkable true story of a "hidden figure" in the history of sports: the inventor of the high five and the first openly gay MLB player. Join Bryan Ruby as he interviews Andrew Maraniss about the book and Glenn Burke on Wednesday, February 23rd. Books will be available for purchase and the author will be signing books after the discussion. A reception will take place during the book signing and after the program.
In honor of Black History Month, we are celebrating Black business owners. It is impossible to highlight every deserving company and member, but here is a list of a few from several different industries:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce NGLCC joins the nation in celebrating National Black History Month this year, now more than ever, it is important to shine a light on the significant, positive impact that Black-owned businesses have on our country and economy. Read more about their continued work on this.
We are grateful to the many Black-owned businesses that help build, manage, and maintain our city. Below, we have compiled a list of resources specifically targeted to Black businesses.
Resources for Black-owned businesses:
- Amazon Black Business Accelerator
- Black in Tech - Nashville
- Black Owned Everything
- Coalition to Back Black Business
- Lemon-Aid Foundation
- Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce
- Nashville Business Incubation Center
- Tennessee Minority Business Development Center
- Tristate Minority Supplier Development Council
Links to support Black-owned businesses:
- Black Owned Nashville
- Black Owned Small Businesses in Nashville
- Nashville Black Market
- Nashville Noise - Black-Owned Businesses You Can Support
- Urbaanite - Black Owned Businesses to Know in Nashville
This Black History Month and beyond, let us celebrate our progress, let us be inspired by our history, and let us recommit to the work ahead.
Joe Woolley | (he/him/his)
CEO
Nashville LGBT Chamber
O- 615-507-5185 | C- 615-585-0743
joe@nashvilleLGBTchamber.org