In February, we celebrate Black History Month in the U.S. and Canada. At Thomson Reuters, this year’s theme is Black Resilience and we have various sessions planned for colleagues to celebrate and learn more about the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people in the U.S. and Canada. We are committed to being an inclusive employer that is focused on uplifting the achievements, perspectives, and voices within the Black community throughout the entire year.
We asked a few members of the Thomson Reuters Black Employee Network one question: what does Black History Month mean to you? Here is what they had to say.
Senay, Vice President, Solution Consulting, Carrollton
“I celebrate Black History Month with my kids, who are 6, 10, and 13. We spend time learning about Black history and taking in new experiences. Last week I took my 13-year-old son to see a local play, Confessions of the Slave Nat Turner, and next weekend, we are all going to a read-in at the African American Museum of Dallas. My wife is of Ethiopian origin and is very active in the Tigray community of Dallas. She does a great job showcasing the culture to our kids.
Black History Month means acknowledging and honoring the history of Black people and culture and understanding the journey and hopes of those who fought for equality. Most importantly, it means sharing that with my children.
Something that I feel needs more attention this month is ensuring everyone, particularly kids, have equal opportunities. As adults, we drive our destinies and own our outcomes, but many gifted and talented kids never reach their potential. From an economic and societal viewpoint, it is in everyone’s interest that we help them in any way we can. Organizations like SPARK! Dallas which I am involved with have a team that do an amazing job igniting the spark of creativity inherent in all children and inspiring them to reach their potential.”
Jimma, Global Chief Compliance Officer, Zug
“History is important. It continuously shapes modern-day places, behaviors, societies, and technologies. Black people throughout history have faced systemic racism and numerous injustices, and those parts of our history should not be forgotten, as there is still much work to do. This month is also an opportunity to discover and acknowledge Black achievements. As a Black leader at Thomson Reuters, I need to educate my friends and colleagues of the challenges that I, and other Black colleagues, have faced as we continue to climb the ladder of success. It is even more important to share how we overcome those challenges and why we will continue to do so.
Business resource groups, including the Black Employee Network, aid in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. They encourage healthy activism and create opportunities to network with individuals of different ethnicities, cultures, and even different parts of the organization. They serve as excellent forums for educating and growing our employee base, and this is especially important if that base is under-represented.”
Nigel, Sr. Product Excellence Consultant, Carrollton
“For me, Black History Month is an opportunity to showcase my journey as a Black person from Jamaica who has benefited from the sacrifices, struggles, and quest for equality and justice through the fight of those who came before me. It is an important reminder that Black people have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to society and that their stories and experiences deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It is also an opportunity to educate others about the rich and diverse history of Black people and to promote understanding, respect, and unity.
I have worked at Thomson Reuters for 26 years. I joined the Black Employee Network because it is a way to participate in efforts to embrace the inclusion and advancement of Black employees. It also allowed me to gain exposure and partner with decision-makers on how we can attract, retain, and develop Black talent at Thomson Reuters.
It can be challenging for many young employees starting their careers and trying to find their way. Joining the Black Employee Network also allows me to give back to these employees by serving as a mentor to provide guidance and share my experience as a Black employee who navigated my way to get to where I am today.
Being a member of the Black Employee Network helps me increase my visibility and the representation of Black employees at Thomson Reuters. It also gives me the opportunity to promote an inclusive culture of diversity. As a member of the Black Employee Network, I get to be a part of a community of individuals who share a common bond and are dedicated to supporting and empowering each other as Black professionals. It provides a platform for me to stand on for advocacy and advancement for Black employees.”
Brian, Marketing Development Representative, Ann Arbor
“Black History is American history. Black History Month means we focus more on the strides African Americans have made throughout history, how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. I like to spend time uplifting Black voices, celebrating those who paved the way for us, spotlighting Black-owned businesses, and reading about how our culture has evolved.
I joined the Black Employee Network because I wanted to be a part of change at Thomson Reuters. I chose to accept the co-lead nomination for our Black Employee Network business resource group in Ann Arbor to continue advancing our collective efforts in putting our faces in higher places.
Being a member of the Black Employee Network means so much to me. It allows me to embrace who I am. It allows me to connect with colleagues who I may otherwise never encounter. It’s also provided me the opportunity to connect and partner with so many genuine people from different business units and segments. Thanks to Thomson Reuters for having this business resource group, which enables us to feel seen and heard.”
Lora, Senior Legal Editor, Securities Litigation, Washington, DC
“Black History Month represents pride and resilience to me. I am proud of my ancestors’ accomplishments in the face of unimaginable indignity, along with the enormous sacrifices my parents and grandparents made so that I could not only survive but thrive in America. I am grateful for the opportunity to pass their strength and resilience on to my children.
I’ve been working at Thomson Reuters for over three years as Senior Legal Editor where I’m responsible for drafting all the Private Securities Litigation resources. At the beginning of the pandemic, I joined the Black Employee Network as a way to interact with teammates while we all worked remotely. I wanted to connect with teammates who have similar life experiences to discuss the common issues we have encountered.
I am now the co-chair of the Black Employee Network – Virtual and Washington, DC chapters for 2023-24. I am excited about the chance to help introduce programs that I hope will have a meaningful impact for our members in creating a positive work experience and a healthy work-life balance.”
