Black History Month is being marked by everyone in their own unique ways. Big tech companies also found innovative ways to celebrate. From adding special identifiers on maps to dedicated app store sections, here’s how big tech is celebrating Black History Month 2021.
Big Tech And Black History Month
Companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Microsoft have introduced special programs, features, games, and products to spread awareness on Black History Month 2021.
Starting with Google, the company has so far provided over $30 million in loans and grants to black-owned businesses affected by COVID-19 in the U.S.
The Grow With Google digital coaching program has also mentored over 58,000 black and Latino small business owners via digital workshops. The program is now expanded to over 20 cities in the U.S. and has conducted more than 1,000 digital skills workshops.
The company has made it more convenient for shoppers to search for black-owned businesses on the platform. You can now find a ‘black-owned’ identifier on Google shopping results in the U.S. Google says that the interest in black-owned businesses has increased 600% between 2019 and 2020.
Apple
The Cupertino tech giant is also enthusiastically taking part in black history month. Apple has made dedicated sections throughout the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple News, Apple Books, and Apple Podcasts. These sections highlight the contributions of black artists throughout February.
Apple also introduced the Apple Watch Series 6 Black Unity Collection, which has a special band and laser engraving. The inside of the steel pin on the watch strap has “Truth. Power. Solidarity” laser-engraved on it. The back crystal of the watch also has “Black Unity” laser-etched on it.
Other initiatives by the company include a dedicated show portraying black creators on Today At Apple, and highlighting the works of over 30 black photographers commissioned by Apple.
Microsoft
One of the most immersive Black History Month 2021 celebrations can be seen at Microsoft. The company has created a special demo in Minecraft education edition to educate children and youngsters about black history.
You can access the Minecraft gallery about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn about his life and contributions. You can also learn about different identities and how they shape people and the world. There’s a dedicated ‘Good Trouble’ demo, where you can see the American civil rights activists in action or join activists in the Black Lives Matter plaza.
Amazon
Amazon has announced that it has doubled the representation of black directors and senior leadership between 2020 and 2021. In 2021 as well, Amazon has announced plans to double it again by 2022.
Also Try: You can learn more about black history month from your Amazon Echo speaker. Say “Alexa, open Black History facts.”
The Amazon Black Employee Network has also established scholarships for employees that want to pursue higher education in computer science or supply chain-related studies. The recipients will get $5,000 per year for four years toward college tuition and guidance from the black employee network.
You can also find amplified shopping results on Amazon and curated playlists on Amazon Music, supporting black creators. The company is also donating books and logistics worth $1,00,000 via non-profit organizations in some parts of the U.S.
You May Also Want To Know
- What Is Black History Month?
Black History Month was started in 1915 by Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson, and Minister Jesse E. Moorland. They founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).
Now known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization started Black History Week, which has now evolved into Black History Month.
- Why Is Black History Month In February?
It was Carter G. Woodson's idea to mark February as Black History Month. It is so because Feb 1 is National Freedom Day in the U.S., Feb 12 is Abraham Lincoln's birthday, and Feb 14 is Frederick Douglass' birthday.
Douglas escaped slavery and worked towards abolishing it. Abraham Lincoln also worked to abolish slavery in the U.S. So the Black History Month is celebrated in February to mark all these dates. - What Is Black History Month Theme 2021?
The theme for Black History Month 2021 is Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.
- How To Celebrate Black History Month?
If you're a business, looking for a way to celebrate Black History Month, you can check out the NAACP guidelines. Big tech celebrating Black History Month is another opportunity for you to learn more about African-American culture.
Big Tech Celebrating Black History Month
Rounding up, the big tech has participated in celebrating Black History Month 2021 in its own ways. Big tech’s celebration also means it is more convenient for people to learn black history, culture, and better understand it.
Learning more about African-American history and literature, the future generations are less likely to commit the mistakes of the past and build a better, more inclusive world.
The post Big Tech And Black History Month 2021: How Is Tech Celebrating #BHM2021 appeared first on Fossbytes.
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