Inspiring unity by embracing differences

For Cummins Inc. and its employees, February highlighted a full month of celebratory events recognizing Black History Month 2024 taking place at its locations throughout the U.S. This year’s theme was “African Americans and the Arts” and Cummins Black Network (CBN), one of Cummins’ 150 Employee Resource Groups, didn’t miss a beat in planning and delivering exciting activities. From art shows to health panels to open mics and more, employees came together, both physically and virtually, to interact, share and learn more about the impact made in our world by African Americans.

“Though Black history merits year-round recognition, we’re thrilled to have spent this past month alongside colleagues and partners, embracing learning, laughter, culture and life,” said Chris Clulow, Cummins Vice President Investor Relations and CBN Executive Sponsor. “I am proud of our company and employees for their efforts creating memorable activities celebrating Black History, and I can’t wait for next year.”

Purposeful celebrations

With each week in February themed, industry and community allies joined Cummins to support the efforts. Facts were shared in alignment with each theme, both historical and current, and interactive activities offered, all highlighting African Americans and the Arts. Here are some of the highlights:

• Celebration of Performing Arts week kicked off with a month-long art gallery display at Cummins’ Indianapolis Distribution Headquarters in Indiana and Cummins-Meritor and Accelera traction office in Troy, Michigan, featuring artists in Indianapolis and Detroit, respectively. The inaugural presentation of the James A. Joseph Humanitarian Award, a pioneer diversity leader at Cummins and throughout the world, was made to Ambassador Joseph’s family. Spotlighted were “Best Dressed” attendees wearing clothing and accessories created and inspired by African American designers. And music and spoken word artistry from Cummins employees served as entertainment.
• Celebration of Black Joy and Wellness included three educational events focused on physical health, mental health and healthy eating options. Attendees heard from professionals in their fields about topics like: medical issues plaguing the black community, strategies for more joy in your life and maintaining strong mental health. Preparation of healthy recipes was shared via a virtual cooking session. And concluding the week was a virtual office party from the Cummins Memphis Distribution Center highlighting the celebration of dance and movement to maintain joy and wellness.
• Celebration of Innovation: Culture, Design and Technology included speakers from universities and businesses discussing textiles, retail and fashion. With the intent to inspire future innovators, a STEM Youth Outreach Program fostered a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. And industry tech leaders Dell, Salesforce, Google and McKinsey & Co., joined for a panel discussion, sharing how they champion diversity, inclusion and cultural enhancement within their organizations and the broader community.
• The Celebration of Democracy and Justice included a fireside chat with Nicole Lamb-Hale, Cummins Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary. An outside legal counsel expert discussed anti-discrimination and civil rights, bringing further understanding to the history and importance of voting and how each of us holds the power to make a difference.
  • There was also a “Be the Change” virtual office party focused on democracy and justice beyond Black History. While enjoying a history trivia challenge, Cummins employees could vote on three works of art by a renowned Atlanta artist, Najee Dorsey, with the winning piece donated to the Cummins Atlanta Hub.
• In alignment with the Cummins value of CARING, during the Celebration of Community week, CBN partnered with Cummins Community Involvement Teams around the country to identify charitable partners to support volunteering and donation collections. Cummins employees earned Every Employee Every Community (EEEC) hours for participation and a t-shirt for their commitment to engage in the community and Black History Month celebrations, with over 300 t-shirts distributed. EEEC is the cornerstone of the company’s community engagement work and enables each employee to use at least four work hours to volunteer in their communities.

A virtual office party closed out the special month with employees engaging in networking discussions about how they will continue to celebrate African Americans and the Arts and support diversity, equity, inclusion and culture activities during the remaining months of the year.

Valuing unity

Winning with the power of difference, Cummins aspires to be a workforce that is representative at every level of the communities in which the company operates around the world. With the varied experiences and personal motivations that drive Cummins employees, they are united in their relentless desire to see a world, a workplace, a team where all people are embraced for who they are and what they aspire to achieve. 

Cummins Black History Month Co-Chairs Yolanda D., Senior Program Manager, Accelera Traction Systems Program Management, and Danielle S., Senior Specialist, Communications, On-Highway Engine Business Segment, share: “We are fortunate to have such passionate volunteers and committed leadership to not only Black History Month, but our entire CBN organization. This years’ events provided so much history surrounding the involvement of African Americans not only in the arts but advancements in innovation, democracy, and culture. It was amazing to see the vast participation by our employees throughout the country, and we look forward to soon start planning Black History Month 2025.”

Recognition events like Black History Month is just one of many examples of the value Cummins and its employees place on diversity, equity, inclusion and culture. Visit Cummins.com and learn more about Cummins power solutions, employees, culture and career opportunities.