Black History Month 2025: Celebrating Black Leaders in IRD, Business, and Sustainability

During Black History Month 2025, the United States celebrates 'African Americans and Labor', honoring the profound and lasting contributions of Black workers, entrepreneurs, and activists. This year's theme underscores the transformative role African Americans have played in shaping industries, driving innovation, building economies, advancing social progress, and championing global leadership. This National Black History Month 2025, Schiller International University celebrates these legacies while empowering future leaders in sustainability, global business, and international relations. 

The Black History Month 2025 Theme Is 'African Americans and Labor 

The 2025 Black History Month theme, 'African Americans and Labor', highlights the multifaceted contributions of Black labor—from the brutality of slavery to entrepreneurship and leadership. Established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this year's focus emphasizes the transformation of agricultural labor, industrial work, and modern entrepreneurship by African Americans. 

From sharecroppers to Silicon Valley pioneers, Black communities have driven economic justice while confronting systemic inequities. This aligns with the theme's focus on labor's role in shaping American life and history. Figures like A. Philip Randolph and Addie Wyatt, who organized the 1963 March on Washington, bridged labor rights with civil rights, demonstrating that workplace equity is foundational to societal progress. 

The theme also examines the intersection of Black labor with cultural identity and resistance. African Americans have redefined workplaces while combating wage disparities and discrimination. California's own Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th century entrepreneur and abolitionist, exemplified this legacy by funding the Underground Railroad while building a business empire. (1) 

Who Is Frederick Douglass and What Is His Role in Black History Month?

Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved abolitionist, orator, and statesman, became a symbol of resistance during the 19th century. His 1852 speech, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?, condemned America’s hypocrisy in celebrating freedom while perpetuating slavery. This remains a critique of America’s contradictions, urging the nation to reconcile its ideals with the accomplishments of Black Americans.  

Douglass’s fiery rhetoric challenged the nation’s conscience, demanding accountability for its 'crimes against God and man'. His advocacy extended beyond abolition. He championed labor rights, education, and gender equality, embodying the intersection of civil rights and economic justice central to this year’s Black History Month theme. Douglass’s legacy is a reminder that progress requires unrelenting courage, a value Schiller instills in its students. (2)

Black Leaders in International Affairs, Business, and Sustainability Management

Trailblazers in International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD) 

Colin Powell 

The first Black U.S. Secretary of State, Powell revolutionized diplomatic readiness and humanitarian-driven foreign policy. (3) 

Patricia Roberts Harris 

As the first Black woman Cabinet Secretary, Harris advanced social justice domestically, represented the U.S. at the United Nations, and, as U.N. ambassador, advocated for marginalized voices to promote diversity in international relations. (3) 

Visionaries in Sustainability 

Dr. Robert D. Bullard 

The 'Father of Environmental Justice', Bullard’s research exposed environmental racism in pollution policies, inspiring sustainable development in African communities. (4) 

Lisa P. Jackson 

The first Black EPA administrator who prioritized climate equity for vulnerable communities and later led Apple’s sustainability initiatives, Jackson integrated equity into global climate strategies, reflecting the ethos of Black environmental activists. (4) 

Innovators in Global Business 

Reginald Lewis 

The first Black CEO of a billion-dollar company (TLC Beatrice), Lewis redefined mergers and acquisitions, embodying diversity in global business leadership. 

Ursula Burns 

As Xerox’s first Black female CEO, Burns redefined corporate leadership in a globalized economy and proved that Black business leaders can revolutionize industries.

Education as a Pathway to Equity for African Americans 

Celebrating Black History Month 2025 is not just about reflection—it is a call to action. Institutions such as Schiller International University amplify history and culture through programs that empower students to address global challenges. 

What Schiller Offers: Celebrating Black Leadership Through Inclusive Programs 

MBA in International Business 

Schiller’s 15-month MBA in International Business prepares graduates to lead with cultural fluency, following trailblazers such as Ursula Burns. Courses cover global strategy, ethics, and diversity in global business leadership. 

MSc in Sustainability Management 

Inspired by Black environmental leaders, this MSc in Sustainability Management program trains leaders to integrate environmental justice into business models, inspired by pioneers like Dr. Bullard. Students tackle real-world challenges and learn to design eco-conscious policies, from reducing carbon footprints to advancing sustainable development in African communities. 

MA in International Relations and Diplomacy 

This MA in International Relations and Diplomacy program, partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), blends theory with practice. Graduates gain skills in conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, and global governance—following paths carved by leaders such as Powell. 

BSc in International Business & BA in International Relations 

Undergraduate programs like the BSc in International Business and BA in International Relations and Diplomacy expand global perspectives, preparing students to amplify Black voices in international policy.

Empowering the Future of Black Communities 

Black History Month 2025 celebrates the past while igniting progress. At Schiller International University, we honor the accomplishments of Black Americans that empower future leaders in sustainability, diplomacy, and global business. Through our programs, students inherit the torch lit by Frederick Douglass, Mary Ellen Pleasant, and countless others—transforming labor, diplomacy, and business for a just future. Join us in advancing equity, innovation, and diversity in international relations, where history inspires tomorrow’s solutions.