The Lana team spent a day of shared cultural experiences at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
This February, in honor of Black History Month, the Lana Learn team in Washington, DC, sought to broaden cultural understanding and deepen bonds. The team chose a unique setting for this adventure – the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Our goal was to blend team building with an enriching cultural experience.
The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the Museum has collected more than 40,000 artifacts, and nearly 100,000 individuals have become members. The Museum opened to the public on September 24, 2016, as the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution.
Team building activities like this foster a shared cultural experience. Its value extends beyond our team, and it serves as a compelling blueprint for how organizations can spark a sense of unity and understanding through engagement with cultural and historical contexts of the students and communities in which we serve.
Following the museum visit, the team gathered for a happy hour social event, reinforcing connections from the collective learning experience.
I share this story to inspire others to explore similar pathways to team cohesion and cultural competency. Engaging with cultural institutions can offer teams a profound sense of shared purpose. Additionally, it allows for a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences that contribute to our society. Such experiences not only enrich team dynamics but also foster a workplace environment that values diversity, empathy, and mutual respect.
