During February, NuVasive recognized and celebrated Black History Month for the second year. The month was an incredible time to celebrate the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and the world. During the month, employees had the opportunity to engage in events with the goal of coming together to raise awareness, discuss and celebrate the importance of Black Health and Wellness—while supporting the Black community.
The first event was in partnership with our Employee Resource Group, Women In NuVasive (WIN), as part of their Freeform series. The Freeform series provides WIN members with a space for dialogue on issues not typically discussed in the workplace, such as racial injustice, gender inequality, mental health, leadership and allyship. The event began by streaming the podcast “We Deserve to Live-A Story on the Black Maternal Health Crisis” by Dear Doula. More than 150 attendees joined to learn the dehumanizing effects of the Black maternal health crisis and how we all have the chance to save more lives by listening to the stories and experiences of Black women. Following the podcast, employees engaged in a discussion around the topic.
The second event was the first illuminate event of the year focused on mental health in the Black community. Launched in 2021, the illuminate program is designed to encourage employees and leaders to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion and how we can create a more inclusive environment at NuVasive. Employees heard from four mental health professionals: Alexis Jones, Edward Brown, Dr. Anitra Shelton-Quinn, and Kristen Brooks. The panel covered topics such as how to know when to ask for help, how to combat stigma attached to mental health in the African American community, and resources that are available for the Black community. Chief Information Officer and the executive sponsor for Black History Month, Aviva McPherron, moderated the panel and facilitated employee dialogue around the topic and Q+A.
To close the month out on a celebratory note, the final event was Black History Month trivia facilitated by actor and comedian, Mark Christopher Lawrence. The session started off with a presentation on the history of Black History Month as well as additional information on the importance of Black Health and Wellness from NuVasive employee, Beatrice Washington. Then employees tested their knowledge on trivia related to various elements of the Black community.
Thank you to the D+I and Black History Month planning team for all their work planning the events! We look forward to continuing to bring awareness, education and dialogue around the Black community all year long.
Photo of live Freeform event in Memphis. Streamed the podcast and had their own employee dialogue after.
Screenshot from Freeform event
Screenshot from illuminate event: A conversation on mental health in the Black community
Screenshot of trivia event
Screenshot of trivia