Get in touch
(626) 350-1500
California Institute of Advanced Management

Celebrating Black History Month

PUBLISHED:

February 12, 2025

Celebrating Black History Month

In 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to honor the contributions of Black individuals. Since then, it has been celebrated annually in February in the U.S., while other countries like Canada (February) and the United Kingdom (October) have adopted their own observances. 

Black History Month began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) (now ASALH). Woodson chose the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both significant figures in Black history. 


The week aimed to educate the public about Black achievements, counter racist narratives, and promote pride in African American heritage. Over the decades, schools and communities expanded the celebration, and by the late 1960s, the Civil Rights Movement fueled a push for broader recognition. 


This month CIAM recognizes and celebrates the contributions, achievements, and the resilience of Black individuals. Their contributions have impacted and shaped our country and the world. Black History Month informs and remembers both the challenges and accomplishments to inspire all future generations. Happy Black History Month!"  


How we can celebrate Black History Month 

  1. Learn About Black History and Culture: 
  • Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that highlight the history, achievements, and contributions of Black people. Some classic books to consider are The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, or The Color Purple by Alice Walker. 
  • Explore works from Black authors, artists, and musicians. Look into genres of music like jazz, hip-hop, and blues, which were shaped by Black artists. 
  1. Support Black-Owned Businesses: 
  • Try to support local and national Black-owned businesses. This could mean shopping, dining, or booking services that are owned and operated by Black entrepreneurs. 
  1. Attend Cultural Events: 
  • Many communities hold events, festivals, or talks during Black History Month. These can include film screenings, art exhibitions, musical performances, or guest speakers who share their expertise on Black culture and history. 
  1. Volunteer or Donate to Organizations: 
  • Volunteer time or resources to organizations that support the Black community, such as local youth centers, advocacy groups, or nonprofits focused on racial justice, education, or economic empowerment. 
  1. Amplify Black Voices: 
  • Share stories, music, poetry, or art created by Black individuals. Whether it’s on social media or in conversations with friends and family, amplifying Black voices and achievements helps to raise awareness and celebrate their contributions. 
  1. Educate Yourself and Others About Racial Injustice: 
  • Use this time to explore the ongoing challenges facing Black communities, including systemic racism, voting rights, healthcare disparities, and more. Reflect on how you can contribute to fighting injustice year-round. 
  1. Support Black History Month Initiatives: 
  • Participate in events or initiatives at schools, workplaces, or other organizations. Many places host educational seminars, workshops, or even artistic performances to celebrate the month. 
  1. Engage with Black History Through Art and Literature: 
  • Create or engage in artistic expressions that reflect Black history and culture. You can attend poetry readings, art exhibits, or participate in writing or art projects that focus on African American history. 
  1. Reflect and Have Conversations: 
  • Take time for personal reflection about how you can support racial equality. Have open discussions with family and friends about Black history and the importance of recognizing it beyond February. 
  1. Watch Films and Documentaries: 
  • There are many powerful films and documentaries that depict pivotal moments in Black history, such as 13th (directed by Ava DuVernay), Selma, Malcolm X, or The Black Panther Party. These can provide insight into the struggles, triumphs, and ongoing issues within the Black community. 

 

More Films: 

  • Eyes on the Prize 
  • The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution 
  • Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America 
  • I Am Not Your Negro 
  • The Souls of Black Folk 
  • Tupac: Resurrection 
  • Black Power: A British Story of Resistance 
  • The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross 
  • Won’t You Be My Neighbor 


Non-Fiction Books:  

  • The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B Du Bois 
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates 
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley 
  • The Warmth of Other Suns 
  • How We Fight for Our Lives by Saeed Jones 
  • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander 
  • Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington 
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou 
  • Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi 
  • The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein 


Fictional Books:  

  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston 
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison 
  • Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison 
  • Native Son by Richard Wright 
  • The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead 
  • Sula by Toni Morrison 
  • The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 
  • The Street by Ann Petry 
  • Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin 
  • The Sellout by Paul Beatty 


Events in SoCal to Celebrate Black History:  

We, Us, Our, and Ours: Preferred Pronouns of Winning Organizations

By Jack Paduntin, DBA • February 18, 2025
We, Us, Our, and Ours: Preferred Pronouns of Winning Organizations  The Power of "We": Why Inclusion Drives Organizational Success "When united, we stand" is not just a national motto—it applies to organizations as well. The word united signifies community with shared vision and goals. Unity of diversity can transcend personal interests and conflicts to focus on team and organizational success. Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, emphasized that an organization's culture is a key ingredient for success. His focus is on the unity of people that help the organization not merely to survive but thrive. This unity is best cultivated through a culture of inclusion. Many organizations upholding inclusion as a core value can leverage it as a competitive advantage. Drucker’s emphasis on people underscores the power of inclusion. Organizations that embrace diversity—bringing together individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives—are better equipped to care for their employees, customers, and the broader community. Such organizations naturally develop a heightened awareness of diverse business environments and are more responsive to evolving needs. Why "We" and “Us” Matters The language of inclusivity—"we" and "us"—shifts the focus from individual victories to collective success. Organizations that prioritize inclusion create environments where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their best work, optimizing collaboration and innovation. Inclusion does not imply uniformity; rather, it acknowledges that conflict and differences can be strengths. A collection of “I’s” does not equate a unified “we.” Overemphasizing the individual fosters division and competition rather than collaboration. A true “we” culture is intentional - built by transformational leaders who harness its power to elevate their organizations. When leaders move beyond a transactional approach and unlock people’s potential, they transform isolated contributions into a shared vision. This synergy unites individuals around common goals, amplifying collective achievement and driving meaningful impact. Lessons Learned From Businesses In addition to ethical considerations, promoting inclusion offers significant business advantages, optimize business decisions, and minimize decision mishaps. Learning from contemporary and classic business cases, we are reminded of power of “we.” Research from Google's Project Aristotle revealed that teams composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences perform better in problem-solving. The study found that such diversity fosters improved collaboration, creativity, and decision-making, leading to stronger team dynamics and enhanced performance. This proves that a variety of viewpoints can result in more innovative solutions. Conversely, in a classic example, a lack of diversity within a team can hinder business decisions and create a disconnect between the company and its customers. As a classic example, in the 1970s, Chevrolet launched the Nova in Mexico, but it suffered from poor sales. A significant reason for this was that "Nova" translates to "no va" in Spanish, meaning "doesn't go." This misalignment with cultural and linguistic nuances negatively affected the car's image in the Mexican market. A more diverse team could have helped prevent such a marketing misstep. Shifting to a "We" Culture to Advance Success Fostering an inclusive culture requires intentional leadership. Here are some key strategies: Use Inclusive Language – Leaders should be intentional use "we" instead of "I" in their communication and acknowledge collective achievements to reinforce shared success. Encourage Diverse Perspectives – Inclusive organizations must actively seek input from all team members, accept differences, and create a work environment where different voices are heard and valued. Build Psychological Safety – Employees should feel comfortable expressing ideas without fear of rejection. When people trust that their contributions matter, they are more likely to take part more authentically. Unite Teams With Shared Goals – A clear, collective vision aligns efforts across the organization, ensuring that success is not individual but a team-driven accomplishment. As Peter Drucker taught, leadership is not about individual brilliance but about enabling people to achieve more together. Leaders can unleash potential of people to drive organizational success. The power of "we" can sustain strategic advantage, transforms workplaces, strengthens teams, and paves the way for a more successful and inclusive future. Now, let us put "we," "us," "our," and "ours" into practice and unlock the full potential of ‘our’ teams and organizations.

3 Emerging Trends in Project Management

By Marketing Dept • December 5, 2023
3 Emerging Trends in Project Management Project management tools, methods, and technologies keep evolving, giving managers new ways to create, manage, and execute projects. At CIAM, we equip learners with the skills and confidence to develop their professional edge in project management. Our MBA project management courses cover the fundamentals and key concepts of project analysis and organizational management. Here is more information about three emerging trends in the field of project management: 1. Evolving Technology Project management tools and technologies are constantly evolving. The advent of low-code and no-code development allows project managers to design custom in-house management tools. Modern project management tools are built to seamlessly integrate with existing time tracking, resource management, CRM, and accounting software. Project managers can also use other management software, including portfolio management, collaboration, data analytics, visualization, and change management platforms. Project managers and their teams use rapidly advancing technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. These technologies, rapid growth rates and improvements can make software selection challenging. Digital project managers must expand their skill set to evaluate and prioritize the right technology that can adapt to new advancements. Our MBA project management courses can give you an understanding of efficient project management software to help you identify, evaluate, and adopt the right technology for your projects. 2. Hybrid Methodologies Project management methodologies have evolved from traditional Waterfall to Agile approaches, but hybrid models are gaining the most traction. Organizations are shifting from a single-methodology system to hybrid models involving multiple project management methodologies that allow for more flexibility. Project managers can borrow ideas from different methodologies to match their work environments. They have multiple methodologies to consider when looking for the right fit for their projects and environments, like Scrum, Six Sigma, and Lean. Traditional approaches like Waterfall focus on strict process planning and future analysis for risk mitigation. Modern Agile methodologies offer the flexibility to change paths during the project with adaptive teams and simpler task objectives. Agile approaches work great for software development teams. CIAM helps students explore these methodologies by offering a course in project management in practice. The course explores key concepts and emerging trends in project management methodologies. 3. Remote Work The preference for remote and contract work has risen, with staffers and freelance project managers opting for distributed project teams. Location dependence is being phased out, and project managers are adapting their strategies to manage remote teams. Remote work involves optimizing communication systems and maintaining team cohesion and project transparency. This new workspace also propels collaborative innovations like cloud-based project management software and video conferencing platforms. Digital project management is a high-demand freelancing skill, and more companies are embracing remote project managers and co-working arrangements. Project managers must reevaluate their processes and schedules to accommodate teams in different time zones and cultures. This digital environment also increases project managers reliance on data analysis and software tools to reduce project complexity. Project managers can use management software to review reports, issue new assignments and briefings, and monitor task progress remotely. Enroll in the MBA Project Management Program CIAM is dedicated to teaching the philosophies of management as a liberal art and offers several MBA program emphases, including project management. Our MBA project management course gives students the practical tools to guide projects in marketing, finance, healthcare, accounting, and other industries. Contact us today to learn more about our project management courses and how they can help develop your professional skills.

4 Types of Business Analytics and How They Are Used

By Marketing Dept • December 5, 2023
4 Types of Business Analytics and How They Are Used Business analytics involves using data analysis and statistical methods to make informed decisions. CIAM offers various MBA programs in California, including an MBA in Executive Management with a concentration in Business Analytics. Here are four types of business analytics and how they are used: Diagnostic Analytics Diagnostic analytics provides insights into specific trends by uncovering patterns and relationships within data. Retailers might use pattern recognition to analyze sales data and identify seasonal trends or patterns in customer purchasing behavior. In healthcare, diagnostic analytics can explore the correlation between patient demographics, lifestyle factors, and the occurrence of specific medical conditions. Financial institutions can use data mining techniques to analyze customer transactional info to identify irregularities that may indicate fraudulent activities. MBA programs in California include courses in the Management of Information Systems that explore the role of technology in business decision-making. Diagnostic analytics may be integrated into these courses to help students understand how data analysis contributes to managerial decision support. Predictive Analytics Predictive analytics uses statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify the probability of future outcomes based on historical data. CIAM offers Applied Probability and Statistics in Data Analytics as one of the courses to help graduates grasp predictive analytics. Credit card companies use predictive analytics to detect potentially fraudulent transactions by analyzing spending patterns and transaction locations. Predictive analytics helps organizations predict which customers will likely churn or discontinue using their products or services. By analyzing customer behavior, engagement, and historical data, businesses can take preventive measures to retain valuable customers. Insurance companies use predictive analytics to assess the risk of policyholders making claims, allowing them to set appropriate premiums. Big Data Analytics Big data analytics involves analyzing large and complex datasets beyond the functionalities of traditional data processing methods. CIAM offers an Advanced Analytics for Business course to equip graduates with considerable data skills. Students learn about data cleanup, data exploration analysis, forecasting, classification, and clustering. In the manufacturing sector, experts use sensor data to predict when machinery and equipment are likely to fail, allowing them to perform the correct maintenance. Businesses analyze large datasets on employee performance, engagement, and recruitment to make informed decisions about talent management, workforce planning, and employee satisfaction. Online companies can also analyze customer data to tailor marketing campaigns and advertisements based on individual preferences and behaviors. Prescriptive Analytics Prescriptive analytics predicts future outcomes and recommends actions to improve a business process. Airlines use prescriptive analytics to optimize revenue to adjust ticket prices based on demand, time until departure, and competitor pricing. In project management, prescriptive analytics can assist in allocating human resources based on skills and availability, optimizing project timelines and resource utilization. Pursue MBA Programs in California CIAM offers master in business administration programs in California focusing on business analytics to help graduates make informed decisions by leveraging data analysis techniques. MBA graduates proficient in analytic tools can adapt easily to the evolving digital landscape, staying relevant in their careers. Register for an MBA program through our website or contact us for more details.
Show More
Share by: