“You can’t be what you can’t see.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman
These words echo through generations, a reminder that visibility isn’t just about recognition – it’s about possibility. It’s about who gets to lead, who gets to innovate, and who gets to shape the future.
Black History Month isn’t just a reflection of the past. It’s a living, breathing legacy of resilience, brilliance, and the unshakable pursuit of progress. It honors the voices that have transformed industries, led movements, and built foundations strong enough to carry the next generation forward.
And yet, history alone isn’t enough. Recognition isn’t the same as access. Celebration isn’t the same as opportunity.
In workplaces, identity-based observances like Black History Month serve a dual purpose: Honoring history while creating space for progress. These moments challenge us to reflect on the systems that shape professional growth, access to opportunity, and the role of learning as a tool for transformation.
OpenSesame was founded on the belief that learning and development are not just career accelerators—they are acts of empowerment. To celebrate this month, we turned to our Black Folx Employee Resource Group (ERG) members – a community of leaders, creators, and changemakers—to explore the intersection of learning, professional growth, and Black History Month.
The lifelong pursuit of knowledge
For many Black professionals, the pursuit of knowledge is about more than career advancement, it’s about breaking barriers, creating access, and ensuring that success is not only possible but sustainable.
Kayla Taylor, Curation Specialist and co-lead of the Black Folx ERG at OpenSesame, describes learning as an ongoing journey – one that bridges both personal and professional growth. To her, learning is both a privilege and a responsibility, a means to uplift others by refining their skills, sharpening their perspectives, and helping them realize their goals. But she emphasizes that learning doesn’t happen in isolation; it thrives in environments that provide space, support, and encouragement for growth.
That support is especially critical in spaces where historical barriers to opportunity still exist. Erienne Poole, ERG Leadership Strategist at OpenSesame and People Operations Generalist, sees L&D as a form of empowerment not just for individuals, but for entire communities. She highlights mentorship, access to tools, and visibility as critical factors in leveling the playing field. When all professionals are given the resources they need to thrive, their talents are not just acknowledged but actively nurtured. Without this, opportunities are left untapped, and brilliance goes unseen.
Marvine Goss, Customer Success Manager at OpenSesame and co-lead of the Black Folx ERG, knows firsthand that success is rarely about raw talent alone – it’s about having the skills and adaptability to navigate an ever-changing world. That’s why, for her, learning and development is about resilience, the ability to keep growing despite obstacles.
As Marvine puts it, “Knowledge creates opportunity, and opportunity creates success.” For Marvine, continuous learning is more than personal growth. It’s about ensuring that workplaces invest in employees not just as resources to be managed or workers, but as leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
For some, however, the challenge isn’t just about access to education, it’s about belonging in spaces where knowledge is exchanged. Aisha Sheriff, Sales Development Representative at OpenSesame, describes L&D as a lifeline – a bridge between talent and opportunity. Without structured learning opportunities, many professionals struggle to visualize their aspirations, let alone create actionable plans to achieve them. She reflects on how L&D has given her access to spaces and conversations that might not have been organically available, shaping not just her career path but her self-confidence as a professional.
At its core, learning is a form of liberation: A tool for defining success, taking ownership of one’s future, and challenging limitations. When workplaces invest in learning, they aren’t merely training employees. They are cultivating voices, ideas, and innovations that will drive entire industries forward.
The power of belonging: ERGs as a space for community
Beyond learning, belonging is one of the greatest catalysts for professional success. There is something uniquely powerful about being in a room filled with people who understand your journey, not because they read about it, but because they’ve lived it.
OpenSesame’s Black Folx ERG is well known as more than just a network of professionals. It’s a home base, where professional growth and cultural connection intertwine, where authenticity is embraced, challenges are met with support, and success is both pursued and celebrated.
For Marvine, this sense of belonging is transformational. “The ERG serves as a reminder that I belong; proof that I am meant to be in every room I step into.” But it’s not just about presence, it’s about power and possibility. In a space where excellence is expected and supported, new opportunities emerge, and doors that once felt closed begin to open.
That feeling of having a space to grow and be heard is just as important for Erienne. She describes the ERG as a safe space for exploration – a place to test ideas, seek inspiration, and navigate challenges with the support of a community that understands. “In an industry where representation is still growing, having a dedicated space to navigate professional challenges and opportunities makes all the difference.”
For Aisha, the ERG has been a confidence builder. She reflects on how being surrounded by talented Black professionals has helped her step into building her leadership capacity, even in moments when she might have hesitated to speak up. “Seeing others thrive in their fields has reinforced my own path, encouraging me to take up space unapologetically.”
Kayla also highlights the emotional impact of community and the deep sense of being seen, valued, and understood. “To be seen, to be heard – it means the world. Having that community is such a game-changer, and that safe space means so much. Allyship is great, but being truly understood on a deeper level is powerful.”
And for some, the ERG isn’t just about professional advancement. It’s about breaking unspoken barriers. Aisha further notes that for Black women, in particular, the ERG offers a space to challenge stereotypes and own their voices. “Being a Black female, I have sometimes felt as though I shouldn’t speak up or propose alternative ideas – to not conform to the stereotype. But being around other Black professionals who are killing it in their fields helps me further navigate the professional world.”
Too often, career development is framed as an individual effort, when in reality, success is deeply tied to community, mentorship, and advocacy.
A celebration of resilience & innovation
Black History Month is often framed as a retrospective: A time to look back at the achievements of historical figures who paved the way. But it is just as much about the present and future as it is about the past. It’s about acknowledging that brilliance is happening right now – in every industry, in every boardroom, in every classroom.
For Marvine, Black History Month is a reminder of resilience. A testament to the fact that no matter the barriers, success is not just possible, it’s inevitable. The stories of the past are not just history; they are fuel for the future, proof that perseverance leads to progress.
That resilience is built through education and access. Black History Month is about recognizing that learning itself is a form of resistance to injustices. Recognizing that knowledge has been one of the most powerful tools in the building spaces for opportunity and equity. The more we learn, the more we expand possibilities and carve out new paths forward.
For Erienne, it is also a time to honor the leaders who came before while uplifting the voices that will define what’s next. “It’s about learning from the past while actively shaping the future.” Reflection is not enough. It must be paired with action, with intentional efforts to create spaces where growth and leadership are not just encouraged but expected.
For Aisha, it is an affirmation that no matter the challenges, she is the author of her own success. “It highlights the achievements of Black professionals and serves as proof that, even when the world presents challenges, there is always a path forward.” The month is not just about looking back – it is about standing tall in the present and moving boldly into the future.
Kayla sees this celebration as a deeply personal reminder of strength, evolution, and adaptation. “Looking at Black history, so much of it has been about rolling with the tide – adapting, evolving, and hoping for the best outcome. That resonates with me in L&D too. No matter the barriers, we come together, figure things out, and move forward.”
This is a powerful reminder that innovation, adaptability, and resilience are at the heart of professional growth. Across industries, professionals are constantly navigating change, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future with skill, creativity, and vision.
Keep learning, keep growing, keep uplifting
Black History Month isn’t just a celebration. It’s a call to action. It challenges workplaces to invest in learning, leadership development, and equity in ways that create lasting change for everyone.
As we reflect this month, let’s commit to doing the work, ensuring that all professionals have access to growth, mentorship, and the career pathways that lead to leadership. Because when opportunity is expanded, everyone benefits.
And let’s remember: Learning fuels progress, growth drives innovation, and the pursuit of excellence shapes our collective future.
🎓 Want to keep learning? Explore our Black History Month Celebration Learning Path for courses.
About the author
An award-winning talent development professional, Liza Mucheru Wisner has extensive experience working directly with executive leadership at organizations in both the private and public sectors to develop and deliver inclusive learning experiences. As OpenSesame’s Enterprise Curator she works with publishers and customers to curate the very best content for the OpenSesame catalog.
