Honoring Black Innovators Who Transformed the Workplace

As we celebrate Black History Month, Applied is recognizing some of the Black trailblazers who have shaped the modern workplace. Their contributions haven’t just broken barriers; they’ve created opportunities for future generations.

This year's Black History Month theme is African Americans and Labor. In alignment with this theme, we’re highlighting Black leaders whose impact continues to inspire progress in business, labor rights and workplace equity.

Spotlighting Black Leaders

1. Charles Drew — The Father of Modern Blood Banking
   Charles Drew developed the first large-scale blood banks during World War II. His blood banking system has saved thousands of lives and is still being used today.
   
   
2. Madam C.J. Walker — The First Self-Made Black Female Millionaire
   Madam C.J. Walker revolutionized the beauty industry. She created a hair care empire that empowered Black women economically and professionally. Her entrepreneurship emphasized leadership, financial independence and business education - values that continue to shape businesses today.
   
   
3. Philip Randolph — A Champion of Labor Rights
   Philip Randolph founded the Black labor union known as the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. He played a crucial role in securing fair wages and better working conditions for Black workers. His leadership also led to the desegregation of the U.S. military and equal employment policies in workplaces across the country.
   
   
4. Katherine Johnson — A NASA Pioneer in STEM
   The mathematician Katherine Johnson played a vital role in NASA’s space missions, breaking racial and gender barriers in STEM. Her meticulous calculations helped put astronauts into orbit and set a precedent for Black professionals in science and technology.
   
   
5. Ursula Burns — The First Black Woman to Lead a Fortune 500 Company
   As the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, Ursula Burns transformed Xerox into a global powerhouse. Her journey from an engineering intern to a CEO paved the way for more diversity in executive leadership.
   
   
6. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — An Advocate for Economic Justice
   While widely known for his civil rights activism, Dr. King also fought for labor rights, fair wages and economic justice. His advocacy influenced many workplace policies and diversity initiatives that companies embrace today.

Continuing the Legacy

These leaders have helped shape the modern workplace, but the journey toward equity is ongoing. As a company, we honor their contributions by fostering an inclusive culture, supporting Black professionals and striving for equity in every aspect of our work.

Other Ways Applied Is Celebrating Black History Month

In addition to celebrating Black pioneers, Applied sponsored various events hosted by our Black at Applied Community of Interest. These included an educational session about breaking generational cycles, an office party and a Black Men’s Forum on financial literacy.

Black at Applied is an employee network focused on promoting diversity, ensuring inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging within a community, specifically for Black individuals and their allies.

How do you honor Black history in your professional journey? Explore our Life at Applied blog articles for more on culture and inclusivity at Applied.