"The Black community is not monolithic, and carries an array of lived experiences that span across a diverse range of intersectionalities. When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial pogroms, and police killings since our arrival upon these shores. UpLyft Forward seeks to encourage opportunity, equity, growth, and community amongst Lyft’s Black employees by focusing on: celebrating our history and journey, embracing and supporting our community, and preparing for our future together.This year’s theme, ‘It’s the BLACK for Me,’ reminds us that Blackness is meant to be celebrated in all its forms, facets, and varied experiences in order to broaden our understanding of the African-American community and experience as well as create a more inclusive culture for all.” - Lyft Forward 2023 Leads
For Black History Month 2023, “It’s the Black for Me!” This year’s theme is about celebrating the diversity of the Black experiences of our team members, drivers, riders, and community partners.
“It’s the Black for Me” represents the sum of our history and culture, including the struggles, triumphs, and beauty. “It’s the Black for Me” is also an expression of our shared experience, and our individual experiences and contributions.
At Lyft, 20 percent of riders and 25 percent of drivers on the Lyft platform identify as Black, African American, or Afro Caribbean.
The richness of the Black experience is like a symphony where each unique note contributes to the harmonious whole. Whether you are Jamaican like Marcus Garvey, a free spirit like Alberta Hunter, a mentor like Ella Baker, a preacher like Dr. Martin Luther King, an educator like Booker T. Washington, or demand immediate liberation like W.E.B. DuBois, all of our experiences contribute to the Black experience. Together, we are a powerful and resilient force united in our determination to create the racially equitable society we deserve.
As Gwendolyn Bennett once said, "We build our temples for tomorrow, strong as we know how, and we stand on top of the mountain, free within ourselves." This quote expresses the resilience and determination of Black people to always look forward and to build a better future for ourselves and the next generation.
So, this month, we are creating space internally to highlight the individual expression and unique interpretations of that shared history and culture. We are pausing to reflect on where we’ve been, but also thinking about how we build that future we want to see. If you’d like to learn what It’s the Black for Me means to our team members, visit our @lifeatlyft Instagram page all-month long to read their stories.
We encourage everyone to do community service, check out books by Black authors, listen to music by Black artists, support businesses owned by Black Americans, commit to attending at least one local Black History Month event, and to learn something new about the Black experience.
*UpLyft Forward is an employee resource group (ERG) for Black/African American team members at Lyft. Forward seeks to encourage opportunity, equity, growth, and community amongst Lyft’s Black team members by focusing on four pillars: Recruitment, Retention, Local Teams and Community. This ERG is dedicated to building an inclusive environment that reflects the communities we serve by increasing the ratio of Black employees at Lyft and supporting those who are already here.