How HR Teams Can Start Planning Black History Month Celebrations Now

You open your calendar, flip to February, and there it is: Black History Month.

If you work in HR, People Ops, or DEI, you know what often happens next—emails start flying a little too late, budgets get fuzzy, and someone’s on the phone begging a bakery to “fit us in” for a last-minute event.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

With a little head start, you can move from rushed, checkbox events to Black History Month office celebration ideas that feel thoughtful, inclusive, and actually doable.

Here’s how to start planning now, plus how a Black-owned, woman-owned dessert partner like Southern Roots Vegan Bakery can help you check “food” off your list in one clean move.

Step 1: Clarify your “why” before you book anything

Before you jump to speakers or sweets, get aligned on what you want employees to walk away feeling.

Ask:

  • Do we want to educate?
  • Do we want to celebrate Black culture and joy?
  • Do we want to highlight Black colleagues and partners?
  • Do we want to support Black-owned businesses in a tangible way?

Your “why” shapes everything: from which events you plan to the kind of food you order.

When you choose a Black-owned vendor—like SRVB for desserts—you’re backing up your words with action. You’re not just talking about equity; you’re directing budget toward it.

Step 2: Map a simple month-long plan

You don’t need 12 separate events. In fact, your employees may not have the bandwidth for that.

Consider a focused plan like:

  • Week 1: Internal kickoff + educational resources.
  • Week 2: Speaker, panel, or fireside chat.
  • Week 3: A cultural celebration (music, food, history, and dessert).
  • Week 4: Highlight Black-owned vendors and partners you support year-round.

Dessert fits beautifully in Week 3 (and sometimes Week 1 for your kickoff). This is where Black-owned bakeries can shine—bringing joy, not just information.

Step 3: Make your food plan inclusive from the start

Nothing undercuts a “we see you” message faster than food that leaves people out.

When you’re planning Black History Month events, consider:

  • Dairy allergies
  • Egg allergies
  • Nut allergies
  • Vegan and plant-based employees
  • People who prefer smaller, lighter portions or handheld treats

That’s where Southern Roots Vegan Bakery comes in. Our donuts, cookies, and cakes are:

  • Dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free
  • Vegan, with soy-free options when it comes naturally to the recipe
  • Loved enough to have our Vanilla Cake Donuts named Best Donut by the Good Housekeeping 2025 Snack Awards

You can order dessert that:

  • Works for the majority of your team.
  • Still looks and tastes like the classic treats people expect.
  • Reflects your commitment to inclusion in a way people can literally taste.

Step 4: Lock in Black History Month dessert orders early

Food vendors book up quickly for February. Starting in January, you can:

  • Estimate your headcount.
    • How many people will attend your main BHM event?
    • Are you doing one larger event or several smaller ones?
  • Choose your dessert format.
    • Donuts: great for morning gatherings, all-hands meetings, and coffee chats.
    • Cookies: perfect for break rooms, snack stations, and flexible timing.
    • Cakes: ideal for anchor events, panels, or celebrations with formal remarks.
  • Decide who you’re feeding.
    • Single office?
    • Multiple locations?
    • Hybrid employees (where shipped desserts might make sense)?

Southern Roots Vegan Bakery can:

  • Ship nationwide to offices and remote employees.
  • Provide free local delivery in San Antonio for in-person events.
  • Help you think through quantities and mix with a dedicated corporate path

When you book in January, you secure:

  • Better delivery windows.
  • Time to make adjustments.
  • Peace of mind that dessert is handled.

Step 5: Connect the dots for your employees

Don’t let the impact of your choices stay behind the scenes.

If you choose a Black-owned dessert partner for Black History Month:

  • Name us in your internal comms.
  • Share a short story about why you chose to support a Black-owned, woman-owned bakery.
  • Tie it back to your company’s values.

For example:

“This year, we’re partnering with Southern Roots Vegan Bakery, a Black-owned, woman-owned bakery based in San Antonio that ships nationwide. Their desserts are dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, so more of our team can enjoy them.”

You’ve now moved from a generic “we care” message to a concrete, measurable action your employees can see and taste.

Step 6: Think beyond February

The strongest Black History Month programs don’t end on March 1st.

As you plan:

  • Look for ways to extend relationships with Black-owned vendors throughout the year.
  • Consider adding quarterly dessert orders for team wins or heritage celebrations.
  • Keep a shortlist of partners you return to regularly.

That way, February isn’t your only “support moment.” It’s simply a highlight in a year-long rhythm of action.

You don’t need perfect. You need a plan.

Your employees aren’t asking for a flawless Black History Month. They’re asking for sincerity, care, and follow-through.

You can start that today—with a clear plan, a few meaningful events, and partners who help you embody your values.

Ready to check “dessert” off your Black History Month list?
Plan your Black History Month office celebration now by booking donuts, cookies, and cakes from a Black-owned, woman-owned bakery—ship nationwide or schedule free local delivery in San Antonio.

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