Black History Month is an annual event honoring the many vital contributions of Black Americans, something the TMX Finance® Family of Companies is proud to celebrate. What started as “Negro History Week” in 1926, observed on the second week in February to honor Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays, has turned into a month-long devotion to celebrating Black Americans.
As part of our annual Company-wide celebration, we ask employees, “What does Black History Mean to you?” General Manager Kendall Wheeler, sums it up, “It’s a celebration of all that we have overcome and all that we are working toward.” Throughout the years, we have received varying perspectives and gained knowledge on the importance of this holiday from our Black Team Members, along with some tips on how we can continue to celebrate after this short month comes to an end.
Of the Team Members who choose to reflect on this question, one thing they can all agree upon is the importance of celebrating their rich culture every day of the year. “To be honest, I do not celebrate my Black Heritage for just one month. This is something that I celebrate every day,” was General Manager Patricia Cofer’s response to how she celebrates.
We connected with some of our General Managers on what the annual celebration means to them and why it serves as an important facet of their personal and work lives every day, not just during the month of February.
Why do you think celebrating culture is important at the TMX Finance® Family of Companies?
“The reason I think this is important at the TMX Finance® Family of Companies is because everyone needs to understand and appreciate the culture. Being able to up-skill people will help them grasp their knowledge of Black History.” Patricia Cofer, General Manager
“It shows how inclusive the Company is. Our Company is so diverse; I love how each culture is given the opportunity to be celebrated.” Edna Maffett, General Manager
“The TMX Finance® Family of Companies serves a very diverse customer base. It only makes sense for the Company to place an emphasis on celebrating the cultures that have made the Company what it is.” Micheal Petty, General Manager
“Because the TMX Finance® Family of Companies is filled with Team Members from many different cultures. The employees in this Company, from the newest Customer Service Representative all the way up to Mr. Tracy Young have worked effortlessly to make the TMX Finance® Family of Companies what is it today. It’s not just our intellects that makes us what we are, it’s our different cultures that have cultivated our gifts and talents that makes us all winners. And that deserves to be celebrated.” Giovonta Logan, General Manager
“One of our key attributes to business practice is Authenticity. In order for us to reach our full potential of productivity, we must FIRST understand one another’s culture. We then have to adjust to respecting our different cultures.” Kelley Frazier, General Manager
We invite you to reflect on the month and ask yourself the question, “What does Black History Month mean to me?” Join us in learning more about Black History and how to celebrate this rich heritage in our Black History Month series.
Thoughts and opinions listed here were collected from members of our Black and African American workforce at the TMX Finance® Family of Companies. The thoughts expressed in this article are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the TMX Finance® Family of Companies.