Celebrating Black History Month

Black History Month, celebrated each year during February, is an opportunity for us to rediscover poignant details of our nation’s history. It’s a time of celebration for all Americans, an occasion to reflect on the history and experiences of African Americans and a chance to spotlight the progress, growth, and diversity of African American achievements. Black history is American history — and it’s a varied and rich history. A sage nation honors and learns from its past. [1]

It all started in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American, promoted Negro History Week in February. Black History Month   - also known as African American History Month - was first observed in 1970 by Kent State University faculty and students. Then, in 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized “the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” in his United States Bicentennial speech, and it became a national holiday. [2]

Black History Month also acknowledges the incredible programs and initiatives that contribute to the upliftment and advancement of African Americans in our communities. One way that Office Depot is highlighting the unique and important contributions of small businesses is through Elevate Together® powered by Round It Up America®, an initiative founded by The ODP Corporation (parent company of Office Depot) in 2021 to help accelerate the creation, growth, and prosperity of Black- and Hispanic-owned small businesses.

Through partnerships with the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the initiative helps support Black and Hispanic small businesses with five or fewer employees through education, access, and aid. Since The ODP Corporation launched the initiative, $5.8 million has been raised to support Black- and Hispanic-owned small businesses, including a direct annual corporate contribution of $250,000.

As part of this initiative, eligible Black and Hispanic small business owners will gain access to educational workshops, training and mentorship services, professional networks, and more. Black and Hispanic small businesses may also be eligible to receive aid through grants, products, and services.

As the NAACP states, “Advocacy has one direction, forward.”[1] There’s more history to construct, and Office Depot is actively navigating a path forward to support Black and Hispanic small businesses in their growth.

At Office Depot, respect, unity, and diversity are integrated within the foundation of our corporate culture. The ODP Corporation and its affiliate companies, including Office Depot, offer its customers an exceptional choice of innovative products and services through its robust supplier diversity program, which provides opportunities for small and diverse-owned businesses to grow and succeed.