Welcome to the 4th Edition of the Crozier DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committee Newsletter.

This quarter, we’re celebrating Black History Month – honoring the contributions, sacrifices, and cultural legacy of African Americans.

As attacks against DEI heighten and workplace diversity initiatives face growing challenges, we want to make it clear that Crozier stands firm in fostering an inclusive, empowering, and thriving work environment. We know that diversity makes us stronger, and we’re excited to bring you meaningful content throughout the year.

Have ideas or feedback? Reach out to us at dei@crozierfinearts.com.

Have You Met… Joshua Simpson?

Crozier DC Administrative Assistant 2.5 Years

   

What are the top three items on your bucket list?

Sky dive, ride an elephant and visit Dubai

 

What is the last book that you finished reading?

Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy

 

If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one musical album to listen to, what would it be?

Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z

 

What is your favorite restaurant, and in what city?

Capital Grille, Washington DC

 

If you could rule the world for one day and could outlaw one thing, what would it be?

Outlaw taxes!

 

What is your favorite meal?

Shrimp alfredo

 

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

My best friend lives in Texas

 

What is your favorite movie or show?

Avengers

 

What is a pet peeve that you have?

Nail biting

 

What is a personal accomplishment that you are proud of?

Bought a house

 

Kara Elizabeth Walker, Exodus of Confederates from Atlanta, 2005 

Black History Month Recommendations
Celebrate Black history and culture with our DEI committee's curated picks:

Books

• Between the World and Me – Ta Nehisi Coates
• The Souls of Black Folk – W.E.B. Du Bois
• Parable of the Sower – Octavia E. Butler
• The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley
• Their Eyes Were Watching God – Zora Neale Hurston
• The Fire Next Time – James Baldwin
• Servants of Allah - African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas – Sylviane A. Diouf

Music

• Bad Brains “Bad Brains”
• Death “...For the Whole World to See”
• Lauryn Hill “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”
• Jamila Woods “Heavn”
• Prince “Purple Rain”
• Janet Jackson “Rhythm Nation 1814”
• Little Richard “Here’s Little Richard”
• Jimi Hendrix “Are You Experienced”
• Public Enemy “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back”
• Mos Def “Black on Both Sides”

Movies

• Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat – Johan Grimonprez
• When They See Us – Ava DuVernay
• Till – Chinonye Chukwu
• Fences – Denzel Washington
• Judas and the Black Messiah – Shaka King
• Get Out – Jordan Peele

What’s on your list? Share your recommendations with us at dei@crozierfinearts.com.

Kerry James Marshall, Vignette VI, 2005

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars and get involved.

• Coffee Hour with DEI – Connect with colleagues over meaningful conversations.
• Training & Workshop (March) – Stay tuned for our next session.
• "Have you Met...?" Series – Want to be featured? Fill out a quick Q&A and submit a photo.

Faith Ringgold, American Collection #1: We Came To America, 1997

Cultural & Heritage Dates To Remember

 

Due to recent changes made by Google, where many holidays and observances were removed from our calendars, the DEI Committee is working on creating a new holiday calendar. This inclusive calendar will be shared with everyone, but participation is completely optional.

January
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Jan 20
International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Jan 27
Lunar New Year - Jan 29 – Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population. While the official dates encompassing the holiday vary by culture, those celebrating consider it the time of the year to reunite with immediate and extended family.  Happy Year of the Snake to all who celebrate!

Check out photos of our Hong Kong Team celebrating Chinese / Lunar New Year at the annual Iron Mountain dinner.

February
World Interfaith Harmony Week - Feb 1-8
Tu B’Shevat - Feb 13 – Tu BiShvat is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, literally "New Year of the Trees". In contemporary Israel, the day is celebrated as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration.
Maha Shivaratri - Feb 25

March
Ramadan - March 1 – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, Muslims observe a complete fast from eating, drinking and intimate relations from the times of dawn until sunset. The observance of the fast in Ramadan, or sawm, is considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Meals are taken before dawn and after sunset, known respectively as suhoor and iftar. At dusk, many gather to break the fast by eating dates and drinking water, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad. At the end of the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate with observance of the holiday Eid al-Fitr, “the Festival of Breaking the Fast.” The day starts with performing a special prayer service at the mosque, known as salat al-eid. 
Ash Wednesday - March 5
Holi - March 14
Purim - March 14
St. Patrick’s Day - March 17
Eid al Fitr - March 31

Glenn Ligon, “Condition Report” 2000

Black History Month Theme: African Americans & Labor

 

Dawoud Bey, David Hammons, Bliz-aard Ball Sale I, 1983

This year’s theme highlights the role of Black Americans in shaping the workforce – through skilled labor, activism, and resilience.

Artists like Dawoud Bey and David Hammons capture these stories through photography and conceptual art, offering a lens into history, culture, and identity.

“I have had the good fortune to be able to work with Mr. Hammons on several projects, which deepened my appreciation for his unique viewpoint and contributions to the art world. It has been important for me to be able to connect emotionally with works that express ideas that will never be a part of my lived experience.” 

-- Matthew Tusciuk (District Manager, NY)