Maryland Smith Observes Black History Month

It’s Black History Month, and Maryland Smith is marking the month-long celebration with a look back at some recent research and insights that speak to the theme.

We’ll be adding to these stories throughout the month and sharing our stories on Twitter at @SmithSchool and @SmithBrainTrust. Follow us.

1. Last year, Maryland Smith launched its ‘Being Black’ series, with EMBA student K.J. Hughes ’14. A veteran of the sports and entertainment industry, he learned early that success hinges on one thing: Relationships. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/being-black-building-relationships-inspiring-conversations

2. The grandson of a civil right activist, Maryland Smith’s Henry C. Boyd grew up knowing he had a responsibility. “I was always cognizant of the idea that I must be a change agent. My parents were always stressing that the 1964 Civil Rights legislation signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson was a turning point for Black America. I knew that I had a golden opportunity and I shouldn’t let it slip away. Whatever I can do to move that boulder of inclusion forward, I have to be a part of that.” Read Boyd’s story. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/profiles/change-agent-finds-niche-smith

3. Is race a significant factor on crowdfunding sites? Maryland Smith’s Jessica Clark has the research – and recommendations that could mitigate bias on sites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/faculty-research/smithbraintrust/insights/overcome-crowdfunding-discrimination 

4. International business developer Rashida Petersen ’03 believes that understanding local contexts is more important than ever. The Maryland Smith alumnus is the founder and CEO of 1847 Philanthropic, a Washington D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in the financial stability of organizations in developing countries. Here’s her story. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/profiles/building-bridges-between-us-africa

5. Performance apparel for dancers and skaters – in an array of tones to match all complexions and sizes. “We’re sending the message ‘You DO belong in this sport,’” the founders of Aurora Tights said, winning the top $15K prize in the latest Pitch Dingman competition.  https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/profiles/skater-makes-her-mark-full-color

6. Free trade is transforming Africa, and Maryland Smith’s Lemma W. Senbet has been closely watching those changes. For five years, he served as executive director and CEO of the African Economic Research Consortium. Now he’s back at Maryland Smith. “We have come such a long way across Africa.” https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/faculty-research/smithbraintrust/insights/how-free-trade-transforming-africa

7. “Diversity is everybody’s job.” What Bloomberg LP’s global head of diversity and inclusion Erika Irish Brown said during a visit to Maryland Smith a few years ago. She’s got five strategies for making a better workplace. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/five-strategies-bloomberg-diversity-fireside-chat

8. “Raise your hand and ask for what you want. If a door opens, run through it. If you want to learn a skill, ask for it.” – Sue Townsen, partner and chief diversity officer at KPMG, speaking at Maryland Smith in 2018. Two years later, her advice still resonates. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/smith-school-hosts-global-diversity-forum 

9. “Everyone’s going to tell you why you can’t be successful or why you can’t do what you want to do. If you tune those people out and stay focused, you can do it.” George Bradford ’97 reflects on life as the No. 2 black professional golfer. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/george-bradford-97-businessman-golfer

10. Social media snooping on job candidates? It’s a bad idea. Maryland Smith’s Cynthia Kay Stevens explains why employers who use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to screen job candidates run risks, like unwittingly succumbing to bias. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/employers-snoop-social-media-profiles-heres-why-they-shouldnt

11. Why organizations should forge a deeper level of diversity. Research from Maryland Smith's Subra Tangirala shows that diversity comes in many different, essential forms. https://blog.hrps.org/blogpost/Forge-a-Deeper-Level-of-Diversity 

12. For Michael Kimbrough, accounting isn’t just about balance sheets. It’s about telling a company’s story. https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/profiles/kimbrough-stories-are-told-ledgers

13. Embrace diversity, adversity and social responsibility, Jose Antonio Tijerino told graduates at Maryland Smith’s winter commencement ceremony. “Don’t compromise your values.” https://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/news/embrace-diversity-adversity-and-social-responsibility-maryland-smith-speaker-tells-winter-grads