PR pros honor Black contributions to the industry for Black History Month

While February is the month we annually honor the contributions of African Americans, it has never been enough to only acknowledge Black history for 28 days a year.

The original goal of Black History Month, which began as “Negro Achievement Week” in 1926, was never meant to “eulogize” African American achievement but rather establish the role of Black Americans in the greater fabric of history. Carter G. Woodson, the “father of Black History” who created Negro Achievement Week,” acknowledged that Black people celebrated the week, but hoped for the year.

That was the message Tuesday evening from Denise Hill, associate professor at Elon University, one of the speakers at the “Celebrating Black PR History” event presented by the Museum for PR and the Diversity Action Alliance. (Ragan Communications is a media sponsor.)

The evening was an opportunity for Black industry leaders to reflect on their journeys, lessons and experiences and share dreams and tips for accelerating progress on racial equality in the industry going forward.

The night began with remarks from Charlene Wheeless, senior advisor for equity and justice at APCO Worldwide, who offered strong words from her own experience in the PR profession.