Black History Month BeTheChange Initiative
Black History Month
BeTheChange Initiative
February 6–March 3, 2023
Open to everyone!
Donate to the Barney Ford Fellowship Fund.
The University of Colorado Leeds MBA Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee invites you to participate in a racial equity habit-building initiative to celebrate Black History Month. With the support of the Center for Inclusion and Social Change, the BeTheChange Initiative includes continuous engagement with music, articles, podcasts and films to learn about current and historical issues of racial inequity and ways to support, educate and uplift our communities. This event also supports the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser, a scholarship promoting diversity at Leeds School of Business. See all activities and events below.
About the Initiative
During the four week long BeTheChange Initiative, we will explore and discuss articles, podcasts, music and movies on topics including black history, culture, people and how to be an ally. We will have a guest speaker on Friday, Feb. 24, who is not only the initial creator of this BeTheChange initiative, she is also a Leeds graduate and business leader. Additionally, we will host an arts and crafts day where we will offer the opportunity to create something powerful and meaningful that will be displayed at the Barney Ford Diversity Fundraiser on Friday March 10.
How the Initiative Works
- Participate for as many days as you can. We challenge you to be part of as much as you can.
- Participate individually or in-person and get your friends, peers and colleagues involved too.
- Consider supporting local Black-owned businesses.
- Consider sponsoring or donating to Barney Ford Fund for Diversity.
Support the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship
Please support promoting diversity within the MBA programs at the Leeds School of Business through the Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser. The Barney Ford Diversity Scholarship Fundraiser and annual gala funds a scholarship for diverse Leeds MBA students. Barney L. Ford (1822-1902) was a former slave who became a leading Denver businessman. The Annual Barney Ford Fundraiser is one of the ways Leeds MBAs collectively maintain a tradition that serves to carry on his legacy.
About the Organizers
The University of Colorado Leeds MBA Justice, Equity, Diversity (J.E.D.I.) and Inclusion Committee is a student team of first year and second year MBA students that promotes inclusive excellence in the Leeds School of Business MBA Program. The committee members include Sophie Ruppert (VP), Sakib Hossain, Mary Boling and Emma Ritson.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the MBAA VP of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Sophie Ruppert, via email: Sophie.Ruppert@colorado.edu.
Calendar
| DAY | ACTIVITY | SELECTION | DESCRIPTION | LENGTH | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 6 | Music Monday | Powerful Black Anthems | Listen and read about the societal change they evoked. | 1hr | History |
| Wednesday, Feb. 8 | Poems, Articles and Podcasts
| Collection of Works Celebrating Black History Month | A collection of content that explores African American history and culture. | 1hr+ | History |
| Friday, Feb. 10 | Reflection | Room: KOBL 233 or on Zoom Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m. (MT) No RSVP needed
| Let’s reflect: What have we learned this week? What stood out to us? Snacks provided at in-person event.
| 1hr | History |
| Extras | Videos and Documentaries | PBS Block Party Videos | PBS informational programs celebrating Black excellence. | 1hr+ | History |
| DAY | ACTIVITY | SELECTION | DESCRIPTION | LENGTH | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 13 | Music Monday | 10 Influential Songs | Listen and learn about songs that capture Black history. | 1hr | Culture |
| Wednesday, Feb. 15 | Movie | Movie List | Watch and learn about a movie that celebrates Black History Month. | 2hr | Culture |
| Friday, Feb. 17 | Reflection | Room: KOBL 233 or on Zoom Time: 12:45-1:45 p.m. (MT) No RSVP needed
| Join us to reflect on these powerful poems. What stood out to you? What did you learn? Why do you think the poet wrote this poem? What were they trying to convey? Snacks provided at in-person event.
| 1hr | Culture |
| Extras | Events | Events in the Boulder Community | Events hosted in partnership with the Executive Committee for African American Cultural Events until March 4. | Event Dependent | Culture |
| DAY | ACTIVITY | SELECTION | DESCRIPTION | LENGTH | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 20 | Music Monday | 39 Local Black Musicians | Listen to music of local Denver artists. | 30min | People |
| Wednesday, Feb. 22 | Article | 44 African Americans Who Shook Up the World | Read about people who went against the norm and the impact they had. | 45min | People |
| Friday, Feb. 24 | Guest Speaker | Room: KOBL 320 and on Zoom Time: 1-2 p.m. (MT)
| Lunch and learn with Thaala Loper. Lunch provided at in-person event.
| 1hr | People |
| Extras | Videos | TED Talks to celebrate Black History Month | Watch TED talks that share insights and reflections about Black identity. | 1hr+ | People |
| DAY | ACTIVITY | SELECTION | DESCRIPTION | LENGTH | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Feb. 27 | Music Monday | Spotify has put together playlists of Black love and pride. | 1hr | Be an ally | |
| Wednesday, March 1 | Podcast | Code Switch | Listen to an episode of this podcast to learn more about how race affects every part of our society. | 30min | Be an ally |
| Friday, March 3 | Arts and Crafts | Room: KOBL 235 Time: 12:30 p.m. (MT) start
| What’s created during this time will be displayed at Barney Ford Fundraiser Event on March 10. Materials and snacks provided.
| About 2hrs | Be an ally |
| Extras | Newsletter | Better Ally Newsletter | Sign up for weekly newsletters to learn about how to be a better ally in the workplace. | 15min | Be an ally |