As we enter February, we recognize Black History Month not just as a time of reflection but as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black professionals in New York City. NYC has long been a center of innovation, resilience, and leadership—much of it shaped by the invaluable contributions of Black individuals across industries.

From the Harlem Renaissance to today’s Black-owned businesses, advocacy organizations, and corporate leaders, Black professionals continue to drive change in the city’s economy, culture, and workforce. At NYC SHRM, we are committed to fostering inclusive workplaces where Black professionals can thrive—not just in February, but year-round.

Pioneering Black Leaders and Organizations in NYC

Cultural and Creative Visionaries

The spirit of the Harlem Renaissance lives on through Black artists, performers, and entrepreneurs shaping NYC’s cultural landscape today. Institutions like the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem continue to amplify Black voices through literature, history, and public programming. Broadway stars like Audra McDonald and Jeremy Pope redefine representation on stage, while the work of artists like Kehinde Wiley (best known for painting President Obama’s portrait) underscores the power of Black artistry in NYC.

Trailblazers in Business and Finance

NYC is home to a growing number of Black-led businesses and executives breaking barriers in corporate America. Ursula Burns, who became the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company as CEO of Xerox, started her journey in NYC. Today, Black-owned businesses like Harlem’s Melba’s Restaurant, the Lit Bar in the Bronx, and Walker Wear continue the legacy of Black entrepreneurship in the city.

In finance, leaders like Troy Dixon (Founder, Hollis Park Partners) and Edith Cooper (former Goldman Sachs Managing Director and Co-Founder of Medley) are shaping Wall Street. Organizations such as the New York Urban League and Harlem Business Alliance work to support Black professionals through networking, education, and funding opportunities.

NYC & Social Justice

NYC has been at the heart of social justice movements for decades. Shirley Chisholm paved the way as the first Black woman elected to Congress, and today, leaders like Letitia James (New York Attorney General) and activist Tamika Mallory continue the fight for equity. Local organizations such as The Brotherhood/Sister Sol and The Black Institute work tirelessly to advance social justice and racial equity in New York’s communities.

Advancing Workplace Inclusion: HR’s Role in Supporting Black Professionals

NYC SHRM is dedicated to helping organizations build inclusive, equitable workplaces where Black professionals have equal access to hiring, leadership roles, and professional growth opportunities. HR professionals play a critical role in advancing these efforts.

Key Strategies for HR Leaders:

• Expand Diverse Hiring Pipelines – Partner with NYC-based organizations such as Harlem’s NYC Black Professionals Meetup, Black Women Talk Tech, and the Black Resource Network to recruit diverse talent.
• Support Leadership Development – Encourage Black employees to pursue leadership programs such as the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Fellowships or Executive Leadership Council (ELC) initiatives.
• Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs – Establish mentorship programs pairing Black employees with senior leaders to ensure career advancement opportunities.
• Create Inclusive Workplace Cultures – Organize Black Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and host events that celebrate Black culture, innovation, and contributions within the organization.

Engage with Black History Month: Watch, Read, Learn, Shop in NYC

This Black History Month, commit to supporting Black culture and businesses in NYC:

• Watch
• In the Heights – A film celebrating the vibrant culture of Upper Manhattan and the contributions of Afro-Latino communities.
• One Night in Miami – A dramatized retelling of a historic meeting between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown.
• Read
• Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in Nineteenth-Century New York City by Carla Peterson.
• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson, exploring the Great Migration and its impact on NYC.
• Learn
• Attend NYC SHRM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion panels featuring Black professionals and thought leaders.
• Visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture or the African Burial Ground National Monument to engage with NYC’s Black history.
• Register to learn with this free resource: 28 Days of Black History.

• Shop & Support
• Explore Black-owned bookstores like The Lit Bar in the Bronx and Sister’s Uptown Bookstore in Harlem.
• Dine at Black-owned restaurants such as Melba’s, Peaches HotHouse, or Negril Village.
• Browse local Black-owned fashion and beauty brands at the Brooklyn-based BLK MKT Vintage.

Black History Month is more than a moment—it’s a movement toward continuous learning, allyship, and structural change. NYC SHRM is committed to ensuring that Inclusion & Diversity remain at the forefront of HR practices year-round. As we celebrate Black history and excellence, let’s also commit to advancing workplace equity, amplifying Black voices, and creating professional opportunities for Black talent in NYC. Together, we can honor the legacy of those who came before us while building a more inclusive future for all.