Owning Your Path: Celebrating Black History All Year Long

During Black History Month, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions Black entrepreneurs and innovators have made to America's history. They have shaped industries and paved the way for future generations of Black entrepreneurs to thrive. A few notable examples:

• Garrett Morgan – Invented the three-light traffic signal, transforming road safety with technology that became a standard feature in cities across the country. 

• Frederick McKinley Jones – Invented the refrigerated truck, revolutionizing the transportation of perishable goods. 

• Morgan DeBaun – Founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., the leading digital media company for Black culture and millennials. 

• Byron Allen – Has made significant contributions to the contemporary entertainment industry, advocating for Black ownership of media companies and emphasizing the importance of representation both in front of and behind the camera. 

• SaVonne Anderson – Founder and CEO of Aya Paper Co., a sustainable stationary brand that focuses on authentically celebrating the modern Black experience 

• Kizzmekia Corbett – Now a professor at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, her research played a key role in developing Moderna’s mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. 

These innovators and their contributions had and are having a profound impact on their industries. Their vision and determination have played a crucial role in shaping our culture, the world around us, and establishing opportunities for Black individuals. 

It is easy to see some common traits contributing to their success. They had a clear vision, took full ownership of their ideas, and worked tirelessly to bring them to fruition. Their stories serve as inspiration for us all, reminding us of the power of determination and hard work. 

I believe in the importance of companies offering an environment where everyone can exercise their entrepreneurial muscles. At MassMutual, we strive to foster an inclusive culture where everyone can share their ideas and interests. We believe in providing opportunities for employees to see their ideas through and contribute to our strategy and the advancement of our company and their careers. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with the spirit of Black History Month holistically, as we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives and contributions leading to growth.

A quick personal story 

It’s in my nature to always be looking toward the future, and as Head of Experience Optimization at MassMutual, it’s my job.  When there’s a new technology I’m interested in, I take the initiative to share my knowledge with leadership, sponsors, and mentors. In certain cases, this has led to research assignments where I have been able to not only position myself as an asset in the space but also to demonstrate the potential benefits of the technologies for the company and our clients. In this way, I’ve been able to have a deep impact on our tech strategy.  

There are many stories like mine, both within MassMutual and without, where Black employees are taking ownership of their careers. I’m grateful I work at a company that amplifies my efforts because it enables and rewards courage, accountability, business acumen, and development. 

The takeaway 

As Black History Month ends, I encourage all in the Black community and their allies to embrace its spirit every day: the spirit of entrepreneurship, of ownership. Let us celebrate the accomplishments of Black entrepreneurs and honor their contributions to American history by creating our own individual history—owning our pathway through our careers and our lives.