Celebrating Black History Month 2024
Celebrate Black History Month with your local Big Y Supermarket
February 2024 marks the 48th annual observance of Black History Month in the United States. Started in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, we recognize the invaluable contributions from the African American community. Celebrating the cultural history behind the food, music, art and craftsmanship, we honor the people who gave a great sacrifice through our understanding of history and learning. Explore African-American inspired recipes, enjoy the music and art in your local community and visit historical sites and celebrate Black History Month with your local Big Y Supermarket.
Generations of Cooking
Recipes crafted through history, steeped in stories and creating future generations of cooks.
Find inspiration in the kitchen.
- RECIPE -
PEACH COBBLER
RECIPE
Perfectly-sweet peaches topped with a
cinnamon spice crumble.
- RECIPE -
COCONUT CREAM
LAYER CAKE RECIPE
A basic yellow cake topped with
cream cheese frosting and coconut flakes.
Black History Month Employee Spotlight
Meet some of our colleagues who are contributing to the richness of our Big Y culture.
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Charles
Frozen Food/Dairy Manager
Milford, CT
What led you to Big Y and why do you stay?
"I have been with Big Y for 22 years. I came to Big Y when I was young and looking for a job and it was close to home. Why do I stay? Because Big Y is family-oriented and they have treated me good.”
What is your favorite part about your job?
“My favorite part of my job Is being able to help our customers and to see how happy they are with my Big Y.”
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Amina
Deli Sales Manager
Guilford, CT
What is your favorite part of your job?
“My favorite part is working with people who become like family. The customer experience is the most important part of my job. Knowing when they walk away from the deli counter, I have put a smile on their face, that makes my day."
Do you feel included at Big Y?
“Yes, I have always felt included at Big Y. Over the years I have had the opportunity to open new stores and I was selected for WomenL.E.A.D (employee resource group). This shows me that Big Y values me as an employee and as a person. I feel Big Y has given me the freedom to grow as an employee and offered me many opportunities throughout my career."
- EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT -
Dameon
Produce/Floral Sales Manager
Derby, CT
What led you to Big Y and why do you stay?
“I have been at Big Y since 2016. I was led to Big Y through a coworker at my previous job. He told me that I would like it at Big Y. I applied and got the job. I stay because of upper management and the work environment.“
What is your favorite part about your job?
“Our work environment and coworkers. I am able to provide quality customer service and quality products which means to a lot to me because it sets us apart from our competitors.”
African-American Art in Massachusetts & Connecticut
Discover African-American art in your community.
Locally Curated African-American Music in Massachusetts & Connecticut
Discover the musical traditions of African-Americans in your community.
Local History
Learn more about Black History Month through historical locations in Massachusetts & Connecticut.
Community Resources
The Big Y communities have many connections to meanings and messages of Black History Month and we’re proud to promote the knowledge, culture and heritage in our area. Here are a few.
THE DEAN OF THE
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
A. Phillip Randolph was an advisor to presidents, an advocate for the African American labor movement and a mentor to Dr. Martin Luther King. Today, a statue of him stands in Boston’s Back Bay commuter rail station.
THE CONNECTICUT
FREEDOM TRAIL
Leaning on their dreams and following the North Star, men, women and children fled the South in droves. There are stops along the underground railroad throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts that many don’t even know exist.
SOJOURNER TRUTH MEMORIAL
In Florence, MA stands a memorial to a woman who changed the game for marginalized people everywhere, particularly women of color.
WILLIAM MONROE
TROTTER HOUSE
Newspaper man and outspoken advocate for people of color throughout the 20th century, William Monroe Trotter lived in the house on Sawyer Avenue in Dorchester, MA for most of his life.
W.E.B. DU BOIS
BOYHOOD HOMESITE
As a writer, advocate and NAACP icon, Du Bois was the first African American to graduate from Harvard. The Great Barrington, MA site of his boyhood home is a National Historic Landmark that honors him with interpretive walking tours and more.
HARRIET BEECHER
STOWE CENTER
Harriet Beecher Stowe’s international legacy began with a simple 266-page book with an immensely powerful message of social justice. Uncle Tom’s Cabin secured Harriet Beecher Stowe’s place in history. Now, her home in Hartford, CT, has become the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center—a place to preserve her messages from the past. Generations to come will learn more about her legacy in this historical space.
