Each year in February, the United States celebrates and recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history, highlighting their cultural heritage, struggles, and triumphs against adversity, with the primary goal of educating people about the significant impact Black people have had on our country. This year, the theme for Black History Month is African Americans and Labor.
Prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Black Americans faced widespread racial discrimination in employment due to segregation laws, prejudiced hiring practices, and systemic racism. Employment opportunities were limited to menial, low-paying and sometimes dangerous jobs, and career advancement was largely restricted.
Founded nearly 100 years ago, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana – a local not-for-profit organization – has been dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, and its mission has had a profound impact on Black Americans and other communities of color. Through job training, education, advocacy and other support, Goodwill has played a role in advancing economic mobility and workforce equity, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to everyone.
Since our founding, Goodwill’s core mission has been to provide job training and employment, particularly to marginalized populations. In the early decades of the 20th century, systemic discrimination and racial segregation made it difficult, if not impossible, for Black workers to access stable, well-paying jobs. Goodwill stepped in by offering skills training and job placement services, helping individuals build careers despite the social and economic barriers they faced.
During the civil rights movement of the 1960s, Goodwill expanded its efforts, recognizing the urgent need for racial equity in the workplace. By offering training programs tailored to in-demand industries, the organization helped more Black Americans gain access to meaningful employment and economic stability. This commitment has continued to evolve, ensuring that Goodwill’s programs remain relevant to the challenges that communities of color face today.
One of the most powerful ways Goodwill supports economic advancement is through education, providing access to industry-recognized job certifications for in-demand fields such as health care, IT, and the skilled trades — industries where racial disparities in employment opportunities persist.
The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, helps individuals earn their diploma and gain credentials that open doors to higher-paying jobs. By providing education tailored to the needs of working adults, including parents with responsibilities outside of the classroom, The Excel Center has been particularly impactful for communities of color, where systemic barriers to education have historically limited career advancement.
The economic disparities faced by Black Americans are also deeply tied to systemic challenges, including disproportionate incarceration rates. Goodwill is committed to offering second chances through Goodwill New Beginnings, a reentry program that provides stable employment as well as support for individuals who have been involved in the justice system.
By offering support that is tailored to the needs of those reentering the workforce, Goodwill helps break the generational cycles of unemployment and recidivism. These efforts not only benefit individuals but also strengthen entire communities by creating pathways to economic stability.
Goodwill’s work extends beyond job training and education; it also involves advocacy and partnerships aimed at fostering systemic change. By advocating for policies that promote fair wages, workplace inclusion, and workforce equity, Goodwill continues to be a driving force in the fight for economic justice. Our commitment to racial equity is woven into everything we do, ensuring that our programs evolve to meet the changing needs of communities of color.
As Goodwill looks to the future, our mission remains clear: to provide the skills, support, and opportunities that empower individuals to achieve success — regardless of their background. By continuing to invest in Black Americans and other communities of color, Goodwill is not only helping individuals build better futures but also contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Visit our website to check out career opportunities at Goodwill.
