What you need to know
- Microsoft has several projects and initiatives to help celebrate Black History Month and to drive inclusion.
- The company has a virtual museum that includes landmarks, artifacts, and content from real-world museums.
- Microsoft also highlights the stories of four employees.
February is Black History month, and Microsoft is helping people celebrate it in several ways. A page on the company's website includes links and summaries to the efforts Microsoft has in place that are "Empowering change and Black voices, today and every day."
"We're proud to amplify the voices of those who are working to build a better, more inclusive future—not just because this is Black History Month, but also because change is happening all around us and Black history is now," says the page from Microsoft.
One way that Microsoft is teaching people about Black history is a virtual museum. Shy Averett, community program and events manager at Microsoft, helped create the virtual museum that includes footage of landmarks, artifacts, and real-world museums.
In the virtual museum, people can explore the Underground Railroad, listen to music that affected the Civil Rights Movement, and learn about Jackie Robinson. It also has a section that honors "achievers who are shaping the future today." Groups and schools can register for specific events on Microsoft's website.
Microsoft also has several pages that celebrate diversity in gaming, movies, and TV shows. The Microsoft Store has sections curated to highlight black creators and experiences. Microsoft's page explains:
In honor of Black History Month, Xbox is also launching a series of initiatives including fundraising campaigns for the NAACP, Gameheads, and Black Girls Code; a "Lessons in Good Trouble" world in Minecraft: Education Edition offering lessons in Black history; a special Black History Month nameplate in Halo: The Master Chief Collection; and programming on Twitch all month long featuring Black protagonists, developers, content creators, and streamers.
Microsoft also highlights the story of four employees who share their journeys.
