Representation,Identity, andDiversity Every February, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners

celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the lasting contributionsand positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida community. In an abundance of caution and to avoid the spread of COVID-19, all activities and events will be held in a series of dynamic virtual workshops and panels. Become a sponsor today and make a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in our community.

2021 Theme: The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.

The Black family has been a topic of study in many disciplines—history, literature, the visual arts and film studies, sociology, anthropology, and social policy. Its representation, identity, and diversity have been reverenced, stereotyped, and vilified from the days of slavery to our own time. The Black family knows no single location, since family reunions and genetic-ancestry searches testify to the spread of family members across states, nations, and continents. Not only are individual Black families diasporic, but Africa and the diaspora itself have been long portrayed as the Black family writ large. While the role of the Black family has been described by some as a microcosm of the entire race, its complexity as the “foundation” of African American life and history can be seen in numerous debates over how to represent its meaning and typicality from a historical perspective—as slave or free, as patriarchal or matriarchal, as single-headed or dual-headed household, as extended or nuclear, as fictive kin or blood lineage, as legal or common law, and as Black or interracial, etc. Variation appears, as well, in discussions on the nature and impact of parenting, childhood, marriage, gender norms, sexuality, and incarceration. The family offers a rich tapestry of images for exploring the African American past and present.

HOW DOES SPONSORSHIP BENEFIT YOUR ORGANIZATION?

2021 BLACK HISTORYMONTH PILLARS

• Reach our growing African American community including faith leaders, youth, and many more

• Connect with more than 300 attendees and community and corporate partners committed to preserving an inclusive and accepting environment in our city, organizations, and workplaces

• Create awareness of your corporate inclusion and cultural competence values while enhancing the engagement of your organization with our African American community

• Increase branding by promoting your products and services

In order to truly understand and support our community during this unpreceded crisis created by COVID-19, the Black History Committee at the City of Orlando identified 5 pillars for 2021 Black History Month activities.

Health disparities are still prevalent in the African American community. The City of Orlando is proud to partner with mental health organizations and professionals to talk about the impact 2020 has had in the African American Community. Issues such as depression, anxiety, and mental health stigma will be covered. The City of Orlando is also partnering with Habni Nutrition Consultants on an cooking class featuring soul food dishes made with healthier ingredients.

- Nutrition and Cooking Class: February 9 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

- Mental Health: February 11 | 6 - 8 p.m.

The arts are the heart and soul of the African American family and culture. The City of Orlando 2021 Black History Month Observance will dedicate one week to a virtual showcase of the diversity of arts through music, dance, poetry, paintings, crafts and more that reflect the richness of local African American history and culture.

- Artistic Expression: February 23 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Virtual Museum Tour: February 25 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

The Black History Month Committee will host an interfaith panel to discuss the role faith and spirituality play in the African American community. This panel will explore the different facets of this important pillar in African American cultural identity, history, and more.

– Date and Time: February 16 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Access to educational opportunities continues to be an obstacle in the African American community. This pillar will discuss historical barriers to educational attainment in the African American community as well as effective interventions such as mentoring to begin closing this opportunity gap.

– Date and Time: February 2 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

During Black History Month, it is important to take time to focus on the contributions and potential of African American entrepreneurs. Businesses owned by people of color are crucial to growing the American economy. Between 2007 and 2017, the number of African American firms rose 34.5%, from 1.9 million to 2.6 million accounting for roughly half (49.9%) of all small businesses owned by people of color.

– Date and Time: March 4 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

• Logo inclusion in all collateral, including invitation, event program, Save the Date and flyers

• Logo inclusion in digital marketing pieces, including social media graphics and website

• Name inclusion in event press release

• During program recognition as a Platinum sponsor

• Option of two 30-second videos produced by sponsor per online experience

• Certificate of appreciation

• Three-minute remarks live in the event

PLATINUM - $5,000

• Logo inclusion in all collateral, including invitation, event program, Save the Date and flyers

• Logo inclusion in digital marketing pieces, including social media graphics and website

• One 30-second video produced by sponsor per online experience

• Certificate of appreciation

GOLD - $2,500

• Logo inclusion in all collateral, including invitation, event program, Save the Date and flyers

• Logo inclusion in digital marketing pieces, including social media graphics and website

• Company mentioned during online programs

• Certificate of appreciation

SILVER - $1,500

• Company mentioned during online programs

• Logo inclusion in digital marketing pieces, including social media

• Certificate of appreciation

BRONZE - $500

• Company mentioned during online programs

• Certificate of appreciation

COMMUNITY - $250

BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2021