February marks the celebration of Black History Month, federally recognized in the U.S. in observance of contributions that Black Americans have made to this country, recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The month acts as a time of celebration of achievements, as well as a time of reflection on the continued struggle of racial justice.
In honor and celebration of Black History Month, each week the Black Employee Network (BEN) employee resource group within onsemi highlights key contributions historically aid in the development of our Black community.
---
James Baldwin
James Baldwin was one of the driving voices of the civil rights movement. Born in 1924 in Harlem, New York, Baldwin grew up amid the Harlem Renaissance, which gave birth to the still-influential establishment of Black expressions and culture. His hometown and birth came to be prophetic, as Baldwin became one of most venerated Black creators of all time.
He went through a long period working odd jobs trying to make a living helping his family, all while confronting racial separation. During this time, Baldwin started grappling with his sexuality, realizing that he was gay. Burdened by proceeding racial segregation and the confinements of sexuality, Baldwin took a writing fellowship in Paris where his writing style blossomed, with a few of his works exploring racial and social themes, including sexuality.
Jerry Lawson
Jerry Lawson dabbled in electronics growing up in Queens, repairing televisions for spending money, and although he had some college education, he was largely self-taught. His interest in computing led him in the 1970s to Silicon Valley, where he was one of the only black members of the Homebrew Computer Club – crossing paths with other members Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Lawson went on to create the first video game console with interchangeable cartridges at Fairchild Semiconductor, paving the way for the future of gaming. A crucial element of the invention was the use of a new processor, the Fairchild 8, another was a mechanism that allowed for repeated insertion and removal of cartridges without damaging the machine’s semiconductors.
Black Employee Network
The B.E.N. organization of onsemi has a clear mission: to foster an environment that is conducive to the recruitment, retention, and career advancement of Black employees. The work completed by the members of B.E.N. is crucial to our company in providing our African American community an equitable opportunity to be successful within our company.
A commitment to our employees: 100% Donation Matching for social justice campaigns.
Throughout February, in addition to highlighting historical figures, the onsemi Foundation set up giving opportunities via its internal Benevity Spark site. Employees can financially donate to a social justice program of their choosing. Any contributions of $1 USD or more are matched at 100% by the Foundation. Social justice causes included were:
As February nears its end, we invite you to join us in honoring Black History Month, not just today but every day, by reflecting on more than 400 years of Black history and heritage within U.S. national parks and communities by visiting the Black History Month Official website.
onsemi recognizes and values the significant contributions by employees to the workplace, which is why we are dedicated to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do.
