American Family’s DreamBank hosts Black History Month events

Black History Month is the annual celebration of achievements and history of Black Americans. President Gerald Ford was the first to recognize the celebration. Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month. We celebrate Black History Month to recognize the history, triumphs and struggles of Black Americans, along with the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The American Family Insurance DreamBank will host a variety of events that are virtual and free to the public to celebrate Black History Month

Events at American Family DreamBank

American Family’s DreamBank will be hosting several free and virtual events for Black History Month featuring notable speakers.

Join us for events that expand on and highlight Black history, culture, heritage and community, including:

Impact for Good: Descended from the Promised Land: The Legacy of Black Wall Street Film Screening & Discussion

Feb. 2, 3-4 p.m. CST / 4-5 p.m. EST | Register here

Step back in time to Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, as we watch “Descended from the Promised Land: The Legacy of Black Wall Street” — a vivid short film directed by Nailah Jefferson, featuring Greenwood District descendants Byron Crenshaw, Jacqueline Blocker and Michelle Blocker. We’ll reflect on the Tulsa Race Massacre’s impact on Black Wall Street — and explore the lingering economic, psychological and emotional losses that have undermined the rebuilding of a once-thriving community — while turning our intention towards a future of equity and empathy.

The film will be followed by a candid discussion with Byron, Jacquelin and Michelle, moderated by Lauren Powell, American Family corporate legal vice president and assistant secretary. 

Special Event: Diversity in Genre Fiction with Jasmine Guillory 

Feb. 7, 3-4 p.m. CST / 4-5 p.m. EST | Register here 

In this inspiring conversation, acclaimed author Jasmine Guillory will share how she develops diverse characters that shake up the default whiteness of literature and challenge today’s stereotypes of romantic ideals.

Creating characters for women of color to see themselves in and believe in, Guillory will make a fascinating case for how storytelling can powerfully pave the way for a more inclusive world. Best known for penning “The Wedding Date” in 2018, Guillory’s romantic comedies have risen to become New York Times bestsellers and Reese’s Book Club picks, while receiving acclaim from Roxane Gay, NPR, Shondaland, EW and more. 

Special Event: Power in Numbers: The Rebel Women of Mathematics with Talithia Williams

Feb. 23, 3-4 p.m. CST / 4-5 p.m. EST | Register here

In celebration of Black History Month, discover incredible women of color who changed the world of mathematics forever. Join Dr. Talithia Williams, groundbreaking professor, author, host of the PBS series NOVA Wonders, renowned TED speaker and passionate STEM/STEAM advocate, for an inside look at how women of color turned the male-dominated world of math upside down.

From rocket scientists and code breakers to computer programmers and data scientists, discover the inspiring stories of more than 30 real women who fought through obstacles and shattered stereotypes to fearlessly pursue their dreams. Come ready to open your mind to the endless possibilities of a STEM education and to “STEMpower” others to trailblaze new paths in math and science. 

Impact for Good: Dream in Color: Poetry Night at DreamBank 

Feb. 28, 5-7 p.m. CST / 6-8 p.m. EST | Register here

In honor of the conclusion of Black History Month, join us at DreamBank for an evening of poetic inspiration. Poets Arsenio, Keena and Charles will lead us on an emotional and experiential journey as they share their artform — a captivating performance of spoken words and wisdom. Discover new inspiration for your dreams through the power of poetry.

###

                                                          
About the American Family Insurance group
Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investment and creative partnerships to address societal challenges. We act on our belief in diversity and inclusion by constantly evolving to meet customer needs and preferences. American Family Insurance group is the nation’s 13th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 232 on the Fortune 500 list. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America. Across these companies the group has more than 13,500 employees nationwide.

About DreamBank
At American Family, we believe communities are stronger and the future is brighter when people are actively pursuing their dreams. That’s why we created DreamBank — an inspirational community destination and virtual experience, dedicated to dreamers everywhere. Dreams take hard work and heart, and they thrive with connection and support. From our daily event series to immersive signature programs, we’ve cultivated a community of dreamers to celebrate the journey, overcome obstacles and stay motivated. DreamBank is designed for noble dreamers like you – who believe and achieve.