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Through our Heritage Months, we recognize the history and contributions of various cultures by providing education and context as well as employee recognition, deeply rooted in storytelling around food, family, and tradition.
Black History Month is an annual acknowledgement of achievements for those of African descent and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, every U.S. president since 1976 has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. (Source: CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion)
We asked our employees to share stories about their careers, passions, and traditions.
Overnight Grocery Team Leader, 1 year of incredible service
“I am originally from South Carolina and of Gullah Geechee heritage. The Gullah Geechee people inhabit parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, as well as the sea islands of those states. We have a rich tradition of culture, language, and traditions that connects us to Africa. The influence of Gullah Geechee culture can be seen in American cuisine. Rice was the cash crop in South Carolina, and Gullah Geechee people were brought there specifically for their knowledge of cultivating it. Today, there is a strain of rice known as ‘Carolina Gold’ that only exist there and in Africa. I am extremely proud of who I am and where I come from. I’m more than grateful to be able to share it with Wegmans.”
Bakery Coordinator, 2 years of incredible service
“Our African American culture is rich and diverse, with numerous traditions, events, and contributions that we celebrate. Some of these include Black History Month, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, and The Harlem Renaissance, to name a few cultural practices that reflect the depth and significance of African American culture. My culture positively influences me in many ways, offering strength, pride, and inspiration. A few add-on key influences are Resilience and Empowerment, meaning the stories of perseverance through ongoing and historical challenges can empower me and others to face personal obstacles with strength and confidence.”
Cart-to-Curb Shopper, 5 years of incredible service
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate different cultures and to learn something new. It’s a time to build connections and grow closer to others. A meal that I cherish is ackee and salt fish with fried breadfruit. This is a meal that my family would cook on a Sunday morning for everyone to enjoy together. As the national dish of Jamaica, ackee and salt fish is meant to be shared with others to bring people together. Ackee is a fruit which you will find growing on a tree in Jamaica. Once ackee blossoms, it can be enjoyed in any dish of your choosing; however, it is poisonous if it is forced open and not allowed to bloom on its own.”
Perishable Team Leader Trainee, 6 years of incredible service
“My culture is a constant source of strength and inspiration. The values of hard work and perseverance that have been passed down to me guide me on how I approach my job and my life. It’s about knowing my culture—and using that as motivation to show up every day with purpose and pride. My culture teaches me the importance of lifting others up no matter their background, and that’s something I try to bring to my team here at Wegmans. Working at Wegmans, I see every day how diversity brings people together. Black History Month allows me to share and reflect on the pride I feel in my culture.”
Featured Article
Focusing on Friendship, Service, and Community
Wegmans is proud to partner with The Links, Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest volunteer service organizations. We help support various programs, from health and wellness initiatives to scholarships.
Using the Library of Congress as a point of reference, through our Heritage Months, we recognize the history and contributions of various cultures by providing education and context as well as employee recognition, deeply rooted in storytelling around food, family, and tradition.
Black History Month is a time for recognizing the achievements of those of African descent and their central role in U.S. history. Every U.S. president since 1976 has officially recognized the month, also known as African American History Month. (Source: CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion)
In recognition of Black History Month, we asked our employees to share stories about their careers and passions.
Sous Chef – Specialty Restaurants, 12 years of incredible service
“Here at Wegmans, I work to maintain our standards as well as elevate what we do. My passion is Japanese food. I can really lean in on the things that excite me and share my passion with my team. I love the teaching aspect of my job the most. My mom was a schoolteacher, and throughout my life I’ve seen how important it was to bring knowledge forward. I have been able to work with many chefs throughout my career, and now I have knowledge that I can pass on to the next generation of chefs. As a Black chef in my community, I believe it’s important for people to know that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is. You can do whatever you want to do as long as you have the passion for it. It’s an honor for me to be a chef in this business and at the restaurant.”
We asked John, “As we recognize Black History Month, is there anyone historical or otherwise who has inspired you in your career?”
“I would say my mom and older brother. They’ve always been the ones to encourage me to do things I am passionate about. When I graduated high school, I received a full ride to RIT for Game Design. But I decided to do culinary instead. I felt more passionate about cooking than I did about making a video game. To some people this may sound crazy, but my mom and brother were really supportive. They have had the biggest influence on me.”
Employee Advocate, 34 years of incredible service
“I always think about the Robert Wegman quote, ‘Never think about yourself; always help others.’ I have unlimited abilities to help people in the stores and in the communities. Diversity and Inclusion is something I live, not only at work but 24 hours a day. I am a certified listening trainer and a certified behavioral trainer. I have opportunities to listen to people and provide guidance for the situations they’re experiencing. I am currently reading a book called ‘Trust and Inspire’. It talks about how the world is calling for trustworthy and inspiring leaders. As a leader, I have to take moments to look at the people around me and see the good and bad. My job is to pull out all of the good in people and inspire them to be at their best.”
We asked Kenneth, “As we recognize Black History Month, is there anyone historical or otherwise who has inspired you in your career?”
“My family. Your DNA comes from your family and my family has an imprint on who I am. Your family sees things in you that you don’t even see in yourself. If I were to have an individual who wants to go on a mission trip with me and can’t afford it, I know that I can lean on my family to help support that individual.”
