ACA Reflects on Black History Month Celebrations

ACA reflects on our Black History Month celebrations and the meaningful work of our Connected Black Professionals (CBP) employee resource group! At ACA, we believe in a culture of growth and growing as a team. Our CBP team continues to foster a positive and inclusive environment for all employees through initiatives that highlight outstanding achievements and celebrate black legacy and strength.

This month, our CBP shared stories of black resistance and persistence that have shaped black history, such as a dedication to the life of Katherine Johnson. They invited guest speakers to present to employees and further reflect on the theme of Black Resistance. Through these conversations we learned about and shared personal and historical challenges for black Americans. As a team we also heard stories surrounding the contributions made to raise awareness about black culture.

This month we were honored to host Dr. Christel Temple, Professor of Africana studies at the University of Pittsburgh, to present with a focus on Black Resistance over time and today. Dr. Temple shared, "We're studying this to create knowledge and to inspire behaviors that will increase the life chances and life experiences of people of African descent in particular." She discussed her professional work and perspective on how resistance takes many forms.

We were also thrilled to have a meaningful conversation with ShaWanna Renee Rivon, an award-winning and nationally renowned playwright and producer. ShaWanna told stories of resistance and hope for the black community delivered through theater, arts, and film throughout history and how performing arts is evolving today to be more inclusive of black culture and experiences.

The CBP also shared ways to celebrate Black History Month through connecting with the community by visiting local public libraries for live performances, film screenings, author talks, and special exhibitions.

The celebration will continue next month with an ACA Book Club conversation about Hidden Figures – the American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly. We look forward to learning about the amazing contributions of these ladies and their fight for equality in a male-dominated field as black American women.

We are grateful to our CBP team for sharing ways that employees can better support black-owned businesses in their own communities. At ACA, our culture is one of our most treasured assets. Given the continued social unrest we actively look to defeat, ACA stays active in participating and promoting the well-being of our diverse employees, including our black employees.

About ACA’s Connected Black Professionals Employee Resource Group

Established in 2021, Our Connected Black Professionals employee resource group was created to provide a platform for black employees to engage directly with one another on a regular basis and discuss any issues that may be relevant to their professional career at ACA. The group also provides an avenue to collectively share concerns with ACA leadership about ways black employees can be better served at ACA.

ACA’s employee resource groups foster positive and inclusive environments for all employees and provide an opportunity to build relationships.

Our commitment to equality

ACA’s diversity and inclusion model reflects what ACA believes are the essential elements for creating meaningful impact for our communities, employees, and clients. ACA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and healthy environment where empowering our people and our communities lies at the forefront. ACA is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, which applies to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotions, training, discipline, terminations, layoffs, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and all other terms and conditions of employment. We continue to create and enhance programs to promote a culture of inclusivity.