Reflections from NOBLE: The Past, Present and Future of Black America

Over the past year, while many inhaled, exhaled and powered through... some Americans couldn’t breathe at all.

2020 marked a pivotal moment in world history, particularly American history. Black Americans were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and, simultaneously, fragmented by the racialized police brutality of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Elijah McClain, Jacob Blake and so many others before them.

Many African Americans and allies alike united to support the Black community. Many companies, some for the first time, publicly acknowledged systemic racism and fostered conversations about anti-racism. The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) pledged its support to racial equity and presented a thoughtfully curated series of events to educate its employees and lift morale.

For the first time, Juneteenth was observed as a paid holiday across the corporate world, including at ELC, and advertisers began to address racist branding and the lack of multi-cultural representation in mainstream media.

Many walked across streets with Black Lives Matter lettering painted in yellow—the bright color against the dark pavement an apt metaphor for a year of hardship, and the hope to follow. American history was made when Kamala Harris (a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) graduate) became the first Black and South Asian woman to be elected Vice President of the United States. For the first time, there seemed to be hope that this time around, Black lives really do matter.

To celebrate this optimism, NOBLE will honor Black History Month with thought-provoking programming that delves into the richness of the Black experience, examines key moments and accomplishments throughout Black American history and offers fresh ideas for the way forward. Events in February include:

• The Evolution of Black Hair: ELC brand Bumble and bumble co-sponsors a thoughtful discussion covering iconic hair styles and forecasting future trends, while addressing representation of hair and makeup teams backstage at events and fashion shows 
• Traveling While Black: This panel explores the $100 billion spending power of Black travelers along with exciting commentary from influential thought leaders  
• Black Creativity: A partnership between NOBLE and M·A·C Cosmetics highlighting how adversity inspired creativity during a year of great hardship and loss 
• Corporate Activism: Fostering Inclusivity Beyond Shade Range: A panel discussion on activism in the beauty industry and the roles and responsibilities of companies to further the conversation around social and economic justice
• A Call to Action: Breast Cancer Awareness in the Black Community: A discussion about how ELC’s Breast Cancer Campaign supports research for Black women—historically, an under-represented group across the medical field

As many reflect upon the highs and lows of the past year, NOBLE and ELC look forward to celebrating Black History Month 2021 and being inspired by past accomplishments, the present moment in history and its potential impact on the future of America. Black history is American history. While we’re still breathing, together, let’s celebrate the beautiful moments.

“We are going back to that beautiful history and it is going to inspire us to greater achievements,” said Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month.

Signed,

ELC’s Network of Black Leaders and Executives (NOBLE) Employee Resource Group    

Note: Footage in the above video was captured prior to the COVID-19 pandemic