Black History Month (also known as African American History Month) celebrates the culture, contributions and achievements of African Americans in the United States. Its origin dates back to 1926 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week" to increase awareness of Black history and of Black historical figures in American history. The week was extended to the entire month of February in the 1970s while striving for greater recognition and awareness of Black history year-round.
Throughout the month of February, The Container Store (spearheaded by our Mosaic Employee Resource Group) will be hosting a series of events and experiences that celebrate the culture and contributions African Americans have made and continue to make in our country.
Internal
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 the Mosaic Employee Resource Group is hosting Increasing Exposure, Investing in the Future, a candid discussion about the importance of increasing visibility, amplifying voices and investing in the future of African Americans, particularly in underrepresented spaces. The esteemed panelists include Joyce Schofield (VP of Product Management & UXD at The Container Store), Dr. Michael Sorrell (President of Paul Quinn College), Marilyn Lavergne (Interior Designer & Board Member of The Kaleidoscope Project), and Dean-Paul Hart (President of Compac Industries). The event will stream live and be recorded so our teams across the country can watch, learn, and engage.
In the Community
As part of our commitment to give back to causes that are important to our employees and customers, as well as align with our commitment to making a lasting social and economic impact, we're proud to announce our new partnership with The Kaleidoscope Project, a Designer Showhouse venture that showcases BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) talent within the creative design industry. They do this by partnering with organizations to offer financial and experiential support to BIPOC students through internships, certifications, industry career days, design projects and sponsored trips to industry trade shows. During High Point Market this October, they will reveal the newly-renovated Aiden Hotel which will include spaces designed exclusively by 20 BIPOC designers.
In the coming months we'll be sharing more details about this partnership and how The Container Store supports The Kaleidoscope Project's efforts of championing for BIPOC interior designers.
In-Store
There will be signage throughout ours stores and at the registers that will allow our customers to learn how we're commemorating Black History Month this year. Customers will also be able to support the giving campaign by making donations online. [Link coming soon]
Please join us in celebrating Black History Month and honoring the culture, contribution and legacy African Americans have and continue to make in our country!
