Black History Month

To commemorate Black History Month (BHM), Mosaic, Cengage Group's employee resource group (ERG) for BIPOC employees and allies, successfully hosted its fourth annual Black History Month Art Auction. This highly anticipated event not only showcases the incredible talent within our organization but also makes a meaningful impact beyond our own culture. All funds raised from the auction are donated to charities that support and uplift Black communities across the United States.

Takeyce W., Mosaic Co-lead, Auction organizer and contributing artist shared that this year 133 employees tuned in to join the live auction. “Together we helped raise close to $4,000 to support the 2025 charities, with the potential to double our impact through Cengage Group’s gift matching program. Each year, it is truly inspiring to witness the unity and support within our community.”

 

Artist Spotlight

This year, 23 pieces of art were donated by Cengage Group employees: Caleb J., Sujin H., Heather M., Jen C., Liz R., Courtney W., Amanda S., Erik S., Trent B., Jack P., Brenda C., Powell V., Felicia B., Suzanne W., Vicky T., Macy L. and Takeyce W. Here are just a few highlights of the pieces featured in this year’s auction:

 

Sujin H., Employment Counsel, has been with Cengage Group for two and a half years. This is her second year donating to BHM Art Auction, which is quickly becoming her favorite community event at Cengage.  

Sujin is particularly excited about sharing her watercolor piece this year as it was only recently that she expanded her portraits from pencil. The need to be extra patient with at times uncontrollable but also surprisingly forgiving nature of watercolor serves as a good reminder in life for her.

Sujin shares that since she began drawing custom commissioned pet portraits in 2020, she has met and reconnected with people she otherwise would not have. Sujin believes art is a powerful means to bring people together, no matter what medium, shape, story or inspiration. Sujin is grateful for this event and Mosaic’s work at Cengage Group which exemplifies the importance of connection with and understanding of others.

 

Caleb J., a Senior Operations Specialist, has been a part of the Cengage Group team since 2018, initially joining as a Customer Service team member. Mosaic has had a significant impact on Caleb's experience, providing opportunities to learn about different cultures and gain new perspectives. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of the world and the diverse histories and stories we all carry.

Caleb's decision to participate in this year's BHM Art Auction was driven by his passion for lapidary. He began learning this craft from his wife's grandfather years ago, and even though they have since moved to Florida, Caleb has continued honing his skills. Caleb shared that he is honored to be included in the art auction for the third consecutive year and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute his talents for a fantastic cause.

Black History Month holds great significance for Caleb. It serves as a reminder that there is always more to learn about the history of the world around him. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which events unfolded and motivates him to work towards a better future for everyone.

 

Courtney W., Senior Learning Designer, has worked here for 18 years, with a brief sabbatical before returning. She shared that Mosaic has had a profound impact on her experience at Cengage Group. The events and learning sessions hosted by Mosaic over the years have opened her mind and encouraged introspection, prompting questions about herself and others. This has been instrumental in her personal growth and has influenced the way she engages with the world.

Participating in this year's BHM Art Auction was driven by Courtney's exploration of painting and experimentation with different mediums over the past couple of years. In the past, imposter syndrome held her back from entering, but this year she decided to overcome it and take the leap. She says that her supportive colleagues have made the experience even more special, and she is excited to raise funds for incredible organizations doing important work.

For Courtney, BHM provides an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable individuals from the Black community who have positively impacted our culture. It is a time to express gratitude for their contributions and to feel inspired. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to continue advocating for underrepresented voices and to embrace ongoing learning and personal growth.

Courtney emphasized that the BHM Art Auction has become a true highlight each year at Cengage Group that brings people together from across the organization.

 

2025 Charities

Here is the full list of organizations that artists chose to support this year:

City Teaching Alliance (formerly Urban Teachers), aims to “improve educational and life outcomes of children in urban schools by preparing culturally responsive, effective career educators who accelerate student achievement and disrupt systems of racial and socioeconomic inequity.”

Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to encourage racial and ethnic minority students to apply to law school and to provide financial assistance to attend and complete law school.

Milagro House, helps women with children achieve long-term success by helping them “earn an education, enter the economic mainstream and develop life skills that lead to strong families, self-reliance and the ability to live a fulfilled and successful life.”

National Black Arts Festival, whose mission is to “expose, educate, engage and entertain audiences by presenting and supporting the art and artists of African descent."

National Museum of African American History & Culture, to help support the “only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture."

South Shore Drill Team, “uses the performing arts to engage inner-city youth throughout their critical teenage years, mitigate the dangers of gangs, drugs, and violence, and guide members towards completing their education and becoming responsible citizens.”

 The Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women. Our resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing. We are becoming the ones we’ve been waiting for.

 

Learn More:

Continue learning about our Black History Month Art Auction and discover insights from our 2022, 2023 and 2024 artists and event organizers.