Friends,
We take the time this Black History Month to honor, celebrate and narrate the stories of African Americans nationally and here in Chicago. Black History month provides us with not only the opportunity to rejoice in the tremendous changes that African-Americans have fought for in this country, but also to learn from our past and to recommit ourselves to doing more as a nation, as a city and as an organization for our Black communities.
We recognize that the acknowledgements we make this month and beyond are not enough, but serve as a starting off point. To that end, our Association House DEI/Anti-Racism Committee has developed a series of programs for this month and beyond with the intent of creating and sustaining positive change within the organization.
For one, we'd like to introduce to you the consultants at InQuest who will be working with Association House in 2022 to build a more inclusive culture. (for more information about InQuest, their team and their services, see https://inquestconsulting.com/).
For February, the committee will also be highlighting the accomplishments of select staff, as well as decorating the Board near the elevators on the first floor for awareness and celebration of Black History Month. Come down to see it and snap your photos to #AHCcelebratesBlackHistory!
We'll follow that with regular trivia over email for which participating staff can win prizes to shop at local, Black-owned businesses. And there's no need to wait to frequent those businesses, as the committee put together a list of local, Black-owned businesses here: AHC's Black Owned Businesses Virtual Index
Later in the month, we'll be announcing diversity hiring goals for the remainder of 2022. Association House of Chicago has served for 123 years to improve the lives of our participants and the condition of our communities, yet there is still much to do. We take this challenge personally and professionally and through partnerships, collaborations, and teamwork, we can continue to increase our value to our Black communities and to all that we serve.
Sincerely, The DEI/Anti-Racism Committee: Lina Joya
Kristy Kolzow
Juan Carlos Linares
Jemina Lyle
Nicole Reed
Drew Williams
Aasta Ziegler