DIVERSITY AT NOLA SHRM

July 17, 2023

July presents a unique opportunity for our chapter to acknowledge Disability Pride Month and to celebrate the French American Heritage.

As a chapter that is committed to equality on all fronts, it is encouraged to reflect on personal and professional commitments to the work of equality and equity and how, in turn, your commitment can shape our local community. 

Let’s continue this work, together.

July is Disability Pride Month; this month marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was a landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. This month is an occasion to celebrate those with disabilities, honor their inherent dignity and rights, promote their visibility, and applaud their achievements. This month serves as a reminder that progress has been made over the years, but also that there is still much work to be done toward ensuring that the world and workplace is a more inclusive and accepting place for all.

To Read: Dive into the book, “Demystifying Disability : What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally” by Emily Ladau. Demystifying Disability is an approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more inclusive place.

To Learn: Visit the AmeriDisability site to review resources, articles and updates that can be utilized to help drive change in your workplace and to aid in your support of those in the community.

French American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to savor the deeply woven threads of the French influence that has shaped New Orleans culture as we know it today. Currently, nearly 11 million Americans of French or French-Canadian descent live and work in the United States, with Louisiana being the third largest home to those with French heritage. New Orleans has maintained numerous French-inspired traditions, from architecture, food, language and even celebrations such as Mardi Gras and Bastille Day.

To Eat: Pop in DeVille Coffee House & Crêperie for sweet & savory crepes made to order plus espresso drinks served in an intimate setting. (2045 Magazine St)

To Learn: Tap into the many resources with The Alliance Française de La Nouvelle- Orléans. It is one of the leading providers of French language and culture education in the New Orleans area.

June 29, 2023

As we reflect on the month of June, we would like to encourage our members to tap into the resources below to join in the celebrations and conversations around the below listed heritages.

Caribbean American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to increase awareness and appreciation of Caribbean cultures and traditions while highlighting Caribbean Americans' roles in shaping the fabric of American society and local New Orleans culture and cuisine.

To Eat: Visit Compère Lapin, a sophisticated eatery serving Caribbean- and European-accented takes on New Orleans flavors. (535 Tchoupitoulas St)

To Visit: Make plans in advance to visit Bayou Bacchanal in November 2023, which comprises of a Caribbean Carnival parade and concert.

Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM) is celebrating its 10^th year, although a national proclamation was made in 2022. In June, people across the United States are encouraged to explore their own heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America; and the endless possibilities that have been nurtured and advanced by immigrants. In 2015, New Orleans was featured, along with many locals, in a photo essay project highlighting over 175 people and their backgrounds. This project was featured as a story collection program and is broadcasted across media platforms today.

To Support: Learn more about the I Stand with Immigrants Initiative and share your own heritage story and learn of the stories of many influential leaders and celebrities.

In addition to highlighting these heritages, June is also Pride Month; a time to honor the achievements and recognize the struggle of the LGBTQ+ community, create essential time for advocacy and to promote LGBTQ+ rights. This month serves as a reminder that progress has been made over the years, but also that there is still much work to be done toward ensuring that the world and workplace is a more inclusive and accepting place for all.

To See: Explore an online art exhibition from the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society (GLBT) archives.

To Visit: Make plans in advance to attend Southern Decadence, the largest LGBTQ+ event in New Orleans over Labor Day Weekend.

May 31, 2023

As we reflect on the month of May, we would like to encourage our members to tap into the resources below to join in the celebrations and conversations around the AAPI Heritage Month, Haitian Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month.

Annually, we recognize the above heritages to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, their contributions, traditions, and accomplishments, all while raising overall awareness.

AAPI Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage, traditions, and accomplishments of the AAPI community, while also raising awareness of the continued challenges of prejudice, discrimination, and underrepresentation.

To Support: The Thrillist provides a full list of local AAPI businesses in Greater New Orleans to support, from restaurants and pubs to tattoo studios and salons.  

Haitian Heritage Month (HHM) commemorated each May, allows Haitians and lovers of Haitian culture and society to recognize the rich culture, distinctive art, and delicious food and learn about the traditions of Haiti and its people.

To Listen: Haitian Arts Podcast Series (HAPS) is a podcast hosted by the Haitian Heritage Museum highlighting various Haitian art forms.

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) each May is a celebration of the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans and highlights how America’s Jewish communities have shaped and been shaped by the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the United States.

To Read: The Jewish Book Council suggests over 24 titles that highlight the Jewish American experience throughout history.

March 22, 2023

February 28, 2023

February launches the initiative for us to stay connected yet aware of the monumental contributions that culturally diverse individuals bring to our society, community and to our chapter. Black History Month is a time for us to recognize the history and the impact that African Americans have on our country and community and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of equity and human rights.

As we reflect on Black History Month, NOLA SHRM would like to encourage our members to tap into the resources below to join in the impactful conversations but also in the celebrations of Black culture and excellence.

To Watch & Listen: The 1619 Project; a Hulu Docuseries. The series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. Also, give the 1619 Podcast a listen on Spotify.

To Visit: New Orleans African American Museum; This museum seeks to elevate the art, culture and contributions of African Americans. (1418 Governor Nicholls St. New Orleans, LA 70116)

To Support: Backatown Coffee Parlour & Baldwin & Co. are local black owned businesses. Backatown Coffee Parlour (301 Basin St Suite 1, New Orleans, LA 70112) is a café with colorful murals and tasty bites while Balwin & Co. (1030 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117) is a bookstore with floor to ceiling selections of literature.