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Celebrate Black History Month and pump up the JAMS with FSSA’s new employee resource group

February is Black History Month, an opportunity to recognize and highlight the central role African Americans have had in U.S. history and culture. Mainstream portrayals of Black History Month often focus on the traumas faced by Black Americans. However, the intention of Black History Month is to celebrate cultural triumphs in the face of those traumas and barriers, and far beyond two periods of American history.

History of Celebrations

Celebrations are a major component of Black culture. Cookouts became a staple of Black American culture, rooted in eating foods previously limited through enslavement. Family reunions celebrate intact families broken apart by slavery, lynchings and incarceration. Black Americans also place creative spins on celebrations that were historically segregated, such as university homecomings at historically Black colleges and universities, which are attended by entire communities in addition to alumni and current students. Rodeos, commonly perceived as Southern or Western staples, have deep roots as major Black celebrations in those parts of the U.S. and forms of entertainment for Black residents.

You can visit this link for more information about Black History Month and find a list of current celebrations across Indiana listed at the end of this article..

FSSA JAMS & Future Celebrations

In line with traditions of celebration and gathering, FSSA is launching Joint Awareness for Minoritized Staff—an employee resource group to support staff who identify as persons of color. JAMS aims to support recruitment and retention of staff of color in FSSA by creating authentic spaces for sharing experiences, networking and professional development.

JAMS will work to improve staff experiences in our agency through collaboration with allies to create a more positive and supportive work environment for minority staff. This group is open to all staff who want to support and celebrate communities of color, including those we serve.

Use Teams code 01Q79EC to join JAMS the last Thursday of every month at 2–3 p.m. ET. Click here for more information about other employee resource groups: No Barriers and Professionals in Progress.

Meet JAMS Leadership

JAMS leadership goals for the first year are to build awareness for the group, recruit members and establish community norms. Planned JAMS events will seek to foster a community providing opportunities for members to celebrate FSSA's diverse backgrounds and cultures. You can learn more about Tamara Rollins (co-chair) and Nyree Modisette (events lead) by reading their profiles below.

Join us virtually for JAMS kickoff meeting!

Thursday, February 23, 2023 | 2–3 p.m. EST | Teams Meeting Link

Agenda

  • Icebreaker and Introductions
  • ERG Charter Review
    • Mission and vision
    • Membership
    • Role descriptions
    • Meetings and events
    • Guiding principles
  • 2023 implementation plan
    • Awareness campaign for JAMS
    • Recruitment strategies
    • Call for feedback
      • What do you want JAMS group to do?
      • What would you like JAMS to support?

Current Celebrations