HE&R Celebrates Black History Month

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts kicked off Black History Month with an email to the company highlighting its origin and significance. 

Today marks the start of Black History Month, a celebration of African American culture, community, and heritage. For the last 45 years, Black History Month has been formally observed by the United States government. The theme for 2021 is “Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.” 

The ‘father of black history,’ Carter G. Woodson, a noted historian and author, believed that rather than ignoring the long, and often painful history of Black Americans, it should be used as a foundation for bettering future generations. Woodson and other leaders sought to have the struggles of Black Americans and the importance of black culture featured in history books and openly celebrated. Black History Month is commemorated in February due in part to the birthdays of two storied Americans, Frederick Douglass, who, after escaping slavery, became a key figure in the abolitionist movement, and Abraham Lincoln, who, during his presidency, declared slavery as unjust. 

Black History Month is a time to remember generations of Black Americans who struggled for acceptance and the Civil Rights leaders who fought for the freedom and equality of Black Americans. Today, as demonstrated by the growing #BlackLivesMatter movement, that fight continues. To move further toward the ideal of equality for all, we encourage everyone to have meaningful conversations with your colleagues, friends, and family members about ways to celebrate diversity and create greater opportunities for inclusion in our communities.

Throughout the month, our organization will share relevant content, inspiring stories of notable Black Americans, and team member features. We look forward to exploring this important piece of our history and sharing diverse, empowering voices with our HE&R community. 

Thank you.

MERGE Employee Resource Group: A multi-ethnic resource group committed to growing HE&R’s inclusive culture by hosting educational events, fostering compassionate conversations, and championing the development of talented individuals from diverse heritages. 

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School® in its mission of helping students lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives - just as Mr. Hershey intended.