Black History Month is both a moment of reflection and a call to action. It’s a time to honor the legacy of leadership, resilience, and collective care that has strengthened communities for generations. At Panasonic Connect, that legacy is carried forward through employees who translate shared values into meaningful, sustained community engagement.
Through the work of Panasonic’s BLAAC Employee Network, a Business Impact Group, Panasonic Connect employees are supporting literacy and early learning in Newark, New Jersey – demonstrating how investing in education helps create opportunity today and shape the future ahead.
Literacy as a Foundation for Opportunity
Education has long been a cornerstone of progress within Black communities, serving as both a tool for empowerment and a bridge to opportunity. That belief comes to life through Panasonic Connect employees’ ongoing participation in Family Literacy Days at Nelson Mandela Elementary School.
Volunteers spend time reading with students and engaging families, reinforcing the idea that learning thrives when children are supported not just by schools, but by an entire community.
Moments like these reflect a broader truth: access to learning can help set the foundation for lifelong growth.
The Power of Consistent Presence
What distinguishes this work is its consistency. Panasonic Connect employees return to the same schools and community partners, building trust and familiarity over time.
That commitment is essential, especially during early learning years when encouragement and visibility matter most. Jordan Luthers, Field Sales Specialist, captured this sentiment through service: “One reason I find it important to engage in community through acts of service is because not only are you filling the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope in the process.” Quoting Audrey Hepburn, Jordan added, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. These often work interchangeably.”
This exchange of hope, shared and returned, reflects the enduring impact of showing up again and again.
Expanding Access Through Community Partnership
Panasonic Connect employees also partner with organizations like the Urban League of Essex County to support initiatives like a Pre-School Book Fair, creating opportunities for children to select books that spark curiosity and reflect their own interests.
Giving students agency in their learning fosters independence, confidence, and a sense of ownership – qualities that are essential to early development.
For Senior Talent Management Analyst Doreen Bryant, the experience highlighted both joy and purpose. “The children at the Urban League brought me immense joy as they welcomed me into their vibrant world of learning and play,” she said. “I was honored to witness the faculty’s dedication to nurturing these bright, imaginative minds who will shape a better future.”
These partnerships help ensure community engagement is rooted in respect, collaboration, and long-term impact.
Carrying History Forward
For members of the BLAAC Employee Network, honoring Black History Month means continuing a legacy of investment in education, opportunity, and collective uplift. Their efforts reflect the belief that progress is built through shared responsibility and sustained action.
As Black History Month reminds us of the leaders and movements that paved the way, Panasonic Connect remains committed to supporting the next generation through education and community partnership. By continuing to show up with intention and care, Panasonic Connect employees help ensure that the story of progress continues – one student, one book, and one moment of connection at a time.