Black History Month 2025: Celebrating Black Leaders in IRD, Business, and Sustainability

五月天视频

Skip to main content Skip to footer

During Black History Month 2025, the United States celebrates 'African Americans and Labor', honoring the profound and lasting contributions of Black workers, entrepreneurs, and activists. This year's theme underscores the transformative role African Americans have played in shaping industries, driving innovation, building economies, advancing social progress, and championing global leadership. This鈥疦ational Black History Month 2025, 五月天视频 celebrates these legacies while empowering future leaders in sustainability, global business, and international relations. 

The Black History Month 2025 Theme Is 'African Americans and Labor 

The 2025 Black History Month theme, 'African Americans and Labor', highlights the multifaceted contributions of Black labor鈥攆rom the brutality of slavery to entrepreneurship and leadership. Established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this year's focus emphasizes the transformation of agricultural labor, industrial work, and modern entrepreneurship by African Americans. 

From sharecroppers to Silicon Valley pioneers, Black communities have driven economic justice while confronting systemic inequities. This aligns with the theme's focus on labor's role in shaping American life and history. Figures like A. Philip Randolph and Addie Wyatt, who organized the 1963 March on Washington, bridged labor rights with civil rights, demonstrating that workplace equity is foundational to societal progress. 

The theme also examines the intersection of Black labor with cultural identity and resistance. African Americans have redefined workplaces while combating wage disparities and discrimination. California's own Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th century entrepreneur and abolitionist, exemplified this legacy by funding the Underground Railroad while building a business empire. () 

Who Is Frederick Douglass and What Is His Role in Black History Month?

Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved abolitionist, orator, and statesman, became a symbol of resistance during the 19th century. His 1852 speech,鈥疻hat to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?, condemned America鈥檚 hypocrisy in celebrating freedom while perpetuating slavery. This remains a critique of America鈥檚 contradictions, urging the nation to reconcile its ideals with the鈥痑ccomplishments of Black Americans.  

Douglass鈥檚 fiery rhetoric challenged the nation鈥檚 conscience, demanding accountability for its 'crimes against God and man'. His advocacy extended beyond abolition. He championed labor rights, education, and gender equality, embodying the intersection of civil rights and economic justice central to this year鈥檚 Black History Month theme. Douglass鈥檚 legacy is a reminder that progress requires unrelenting courage, a value Schiller instills in its students. ()

Black Leaders in International Affairs, Business, and Sustainability Management

Trailblazers in International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) 

Colin Powell 

The first Black U.S. Secretary of State, Powell revolutionized diplomatic readiness and humanitarian-driven foreign policy. (3) 

Patricia Roberts Harris 

As the first Black woman Cabinet Secretary, Harris advanced social justice domestically, represented the U.S. at the United Nations, and, as U.N. ambassador, advocated for marginalized voices to promote diversity in international relations. (3) 

Visionaries in Sustainability 

Dr. Robert D. Bullard 

The 'Father of Environmental Justice', Bullard鈥檚 research exposed environmental racism in pollution policies, inspiring鈥痵ustainable development in African communities. (4) 

Lisa P. Jackson 

The first Black EPA administrator who prioritized climate equity for vulnerable communities and later led Apple鈥檚 sustainability initiatives, Jackson integrated equity into global climate strategies, reflecting the ethos of Black environmental activists. (4) 

Innovators in Global Business 

Reginald Lewis 

The first Black CEO of a billion-dollar company (TLC Beatrice), Lewis redefined mergers and acquisitions, embodying鈥痙iversity in global business leadership. 

Ursula Burns 

As Xerox鈥檚 first Black female CEO, Burns redefined corporate leadership in a globalized economy and proved that鈥疊lack business leaders鈥痗an revolutionize industries.

Education as a Pathway to Equity for African Americans 

Celebrating Black History Month 2025鈥痠s not just about reflection鈥攊t is a call to action. Institutions such as 五月天视频 amplify鈥痟istory and culture鈥痶hrough programs that empower students to address global challenges. 

What Schiller Offers: Celebrating Black Leadership Through Inclusive 五月天视频 

MBA in International Business 

Schiller鈥檚 15-month鈥疢BA in International Business prepares graduates to lead with cultural fluency, following trailblazers such as Ursula Burns. Courses cover global strategy, ethics, and鈥痙iversity in global business leadership. 

MSc in Sustainability Management 

Inspired by鈥疊lack environmental leaders, this MSc in Sustainability Management program trains leaders to integrate environmental justice into business models, inspired by pioneers like Dr. Bullard. Students tackle real-world challenges and learn to design eco-conscious policies, from reducing carbon footprints to advancing鈥痵ustainable development in African communities. 

MA in International Relations and Diplomacy 

This MA in International Relations and Diplomacy program, partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), blends theory with practice. Graduates gain skills in conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, and global governance鈥攆ollowing paths carved by leaders such as Powell. 

BSc in International Business & BA in International Relations 

Undergraduate programs like the鈥疊Sc in International Business鈥痑nd鈥疊A in International Relations and Diplomacy鈥痚xpand global perspectives, preparing students to amplify鈥疊lack voices in international policy.

Empowering the Future of Black Communities 

Black History Month 2025鈥痗elebrates the past while igniting progress. At 五月天视频, we honor the鈥痑ccomplishments of Black Americans that empower future leaders in sustainability, diplomacy, and global business. Through our programs, students inherit the torch lit by Frederick Douglass, Mary Ellen Pleasant, and countless others鈥攖ransforming labor, diplomacy, and business for a just future. Join us in advancing equity, innovation, and鈥痙iversity in international relations, where history inspires tomorrow鈥檚 solutions.   

Schiller University partner for dual degrees: University of Roehampton London Logo
ACCSC Accreditation Logo
Comunidad de Madrid Accreditation Logo
Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts of Baden-Württemberg Logo