Crystal Peete, Revenue Audit Supervisor at Potawatomi Bingo Casino, plays the role of Queen Nzinga to commemorate Black History Month at the casino. On Wednesdays in February, select members of the casino’s Black History Month committee dress up as historic black figures and educate co-workers about their contributions.
Potawatomi Bingo Casino is introducing its employees to some of history’s most prominent Black personalities – quite literally.
On select Wednesdays during the month of February, members of the Casino’s Black History Month Committee will dress up as three historic black figures, including:
- Queen Nzinga, who fought Portuguese rule as leader of the Ndongo and Matamba kingdoms of the Mbundu people in southwest Africa during the 17th century;
- George Crum, who is credited with inventing potato chips while working as a cook at Moon’s Lake House in Saratoga Springs, NY, and later opened his own restaurant; and
- Percy Sutton, who served as an intelligence officer with the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII. He later represented the likes of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz as a successful attorney and was instrumental in saving and renovating the iconic Apollo Theater.
These individuals will appear in employee areas and share with co-workers some information about the impact their character made during their lifetime.
Roaming historical characters are just a small part of Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s efforts in recognizing Black History Month. Throughout February, the casino will recognize contributions of Black culture through employeearea signage and messaging, employee contests and other awareness events and activities.
Sathren Whitfield, right, of Potawatomi Bingo Casino, announces the presence of Queen Nzinga, left, played by Crystal Peete, in an employee hallway at Potawatomi Bingo Casino. On Wednesdays in February, select members of the casino’s Black History Month committee dress up as historic black figures and educate co-workers about their contributions.
Considering more than 53 percent of Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s workforce is made up by people of color, it is a priority for the organization to celebrate all cultures. In addition to commemorating Black History Month, the organization will celebrate Asian cultures throughout May, Hispanic cultures from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and Native American cultures during the month of November. Valuing team members through these types of events, and many other programs including wellness- focused initiatives, is an integral part of the Casino’s commitment to social responsibility.