Of all the commemorations and celebrations we cover in this blog, Black Music Month has to be one of the most enjoyable to ponder. How did Black music affect the American culture? The answer has to be – profoundly and beautifully!!
We think back to the impact of the blues, and jazz, and rock & roll, R&B, reggae, hip hop and rap – it’s quite a story. Every one of us can name a favorite artist or favorite song or music style, and while we did our listening, we also learned. In the sixties and seventies, Black music was consciousness raising, spiritual and revolutionary. This was the first time Black music went mainstream and it woke up many Americans to join in the movement for civil rights.
Some highlights of the time were Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”, Gil Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”, and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?” The revolutionary music of that era led to hip hop and its consciousness-raising message. The American people began to look at the experience that African Americans had gone through and were going through and understand the changes that had to take place. Black music awakened us to the Black experience.
The History of Black Music Month
From National Today [LINK] we read about the commemoration’s history: “The United States has been celebrating Black Music Month in June since 1979. The month of June is set aside to appreciate the contributions of African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters in American culture. The month honors the history and rich African traditions that gave birth to different styles of music such as rap, hip-hop, jazz, rhythm and blues, barbershop, and swing. It is also the month to celebrate creative inspiration and appreciate the impact that African-American music has had on generations of performers and music lovers! From tales of slavery and racism and fighting for their basic human rights to finding their heritage and values in their lyrics, Black music covers a vast range of topics that have great significance for this community.
“Over the years, we have seen Black musicians reach great heights, not only on official music record charts but also at entertainment award ceremonies. While President Jimmy Carter designated June as Black Music Month in 1979, it wasn’t until 2000 when the presidential proclamation for the month was signed. President Barack Obama, in 2009, went on to rename the month from Black Music Month to its current name, African-American Music Appreciation Month.”
Checking out what Whitehouse.gov [LINK] has to say about the commemoration, we see President Biden once again referring to Black Music Month. The proclamation displays some insight:
“Our Nation has only recognized Black Music Month for 45 years, but its legacy stretches back to our country’s earliest days. Black music began when enslaved people, who were cruelly prohibited from communicating in their native languages, found ways to express themselves through music. Set to the sound of African rhythms, they captured the inhumanity, tragedy, and toll that America’s original sin took on their lives while also telling the stories of their hopes and dreams, faith and spirituality, and love and purpose.
“Ever since, Black performers have carried on that tradition of using art to break down barriers, create sacred spaces for expression, and give voice to the promise of America for all Americans. They have created and shaped some of our most beloved genres of music — like folk, blues, jazz, hip-hop, country, rock and roll, gospel, spirituals, and R&B. Black music has set the beat of the Civil Rights Movement; expressed the inherent dignity and captured the pride and power of Black communities; and held a mirror to the good, the bad, and the truth of our Nation.”
Some Favorites
Just for the fun of it we’ll mention some names… Ray Charles “Unchain My Heart”, Stevie Wonder “Isn’t She Lovely”, Prince “Purple Rain”, Whitney Houston “The Greatest Love of All”, Aretha Franklin “Respect”, Diana Ross “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and on and on and on.
We hope you enjoy Black Music Month and truly appreciate what America has learned from Black Music.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
Let’s make an effort to understand what the fairly recent federal holiday, Juneteenth, is all about. On one hand, Almanac tells us that Juneteenth is the oldest-known celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. The following quote explains it, somewhat [LINK]:
“On January 1, 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. It granted freedom to “all persons held as slaves” in 10 Confederate-controlled states. However, for the most part, the order was not enforced until Union soldiers were able to advance into these areas after the end of the war, the beginning of which came in April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee after the Battle of Appomattox Court House in Virginia.”
So the message is, the slaves were freed except for the places where slavery continued, and the enslaved were not informed that the government had emancipated them. It was two years later that the Union army made it to those states where people were still enslaved, and they informed the enslaved – you are free. Quoting from the article:
“On June 19, 1865, U.S. Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger delivered to the people of Galveston, Texas, General Order No. 3, which read, in part: ‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.'”
Slavery in the United States was formally abolished on December 6th, 1865, with the ratification of the 13th Amendment.
The Recognition of Juneteenth
The State of Texas was the first to recognize Juneteenth – Emancipation Day – and they did so in 1980. It was 2021 when President Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Act. The Act established June 19th as a federal holiday.
When Texas made its decision to create a holiday, it was nothing new to the African Americans in Texas. Quoting from the article:
“Early celebrations of Juneteenth included gatherings of former slaves and their descendants in Galveston and throughout Texas. As African Americans were often barred from using public facilities, some groups and individuals pooled their money to purchase land in order to hold these events. One of the most significant and lasting was 10 acres acquired by a group of African-American ministers and businessmen in Houston. This land would become Emancipation Park, which today is the oldest park in Houston, Texas.”
From an article by writer Kris Manjapra, published in Daily Camera [LINK], we gain a little more information:
“The actual day was June 19, 1865, and it was the Black dockworkers in Galveston, Texas, who first heard the word that freedom for the enslaved had come. There were speeches, sermons and shared meals, mostly held at Black churches, the safest places to have such celebrations. The perils of unjust laws and racist social customs were still great in Texas for the 250,000 enslaved Black people there, but the celebrations known as Juneteenth were said to have gone on for seven straight days. The spontaneous jubilation was partly over Gen. Gordon Granger’s General Order No. 3. It read in part, ‘The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.’”
The enslavement of African Peoples is a legacy that all Americans inherit. It is sad and painful to even think about. But, we can turn with gratitude to the work of the Abolitionists and the Civil Rights warriors, and think about them as well. America has been working to correct the wrongs done in its foundation for many years, and we are committed to continue that work with DE&I guiding our hiring, training and promotion of our valued employees. Happy Juneteenth!
“Now I’ve been free, I know what a dreadful condition slavery is. I have seen hundreds of escaped slaves, but I never saw one who was willing to go back and be a slave.” –Harriet Tubman (1820–1913), American abolitionist and political activist.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
Sunday is Father’s Day! We want to offer an overflowing plate of respect and appreciation and gratitude to all of the fathers among the AMS employees and clients and friends. We thank you for your strength, your guidance, your sacrifice, your time, your influence and your love. We hope your Day is perfect, whether there are gifts or a big meal or a fun outing – we want it to be perfect.
The History of Your Holiday
Wikipedia tells us that the celebration of fatherhood is very old – in Catholic Europe it dates back to 1508. They celebrated on March 19th and focused on St. Joseph, father of Jesus. The Eastern Orthodox church focused on Adam and emphasized Abraham whose children were to bless the earth.
In the US Father’s Day has its own history. We went to the Farmer’s Almanac [LINK] for that information. Quoting from the website:
“The first known Father’s Day service occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after the worst mining accident in U.S. history. This horrific accident killed more than 360 men and boys and left about 1,000 children fatherless. Mrs. Grace Golden Clayton wanted to honor the many fathers who had died with a Sunday service in Fairmont. Mrs. Clayton was the daughter of a dedicated reverend who had died in 1896, so she knew what it was like to lose a father.”
Father’s Day did not become an annual event at this time. It took a woman named Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd to make it into an annual holiday across the nation. According to the Almanac, in 1909 she heard a Mother’s Day sermon and thought – there needs to be a Father’s Day. From the article comes more of the story:
“Mrs. Dodd’s father, William Smart, had raised his SIX children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died giving birth. Mrs. Dodd proposed to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they celebrate a “father’s day.” She chose the 5th of June because it was her father’s birthday. The idea received strong support, but the good ministers of Spokane asked that the day be changed to give them extra time to prepare sermons on the unexplored subject of fathers. The first Father’s Day in Spokane, Washington, was observed on June 19, 1910 (the third Sunday in June) and became an annual event there. Soon, other towns had their own celebrations.”
After that, Father’s Day in June had widespread support across the nation, but it didn’t get named a national holiday until 1972. In that year President Richard Nixon made it official. He signed a law declaring that Father’s Day will be celebrated across the nation on the third Sunday in June. That’s the US history – a woman who was raised by her father is the one who made it happen.
A Poem for the Fathers
We searched for a poem to give to our readers about fathers and we found “Only a Dad” by Edgar Albert Guest. Hope you enjoy it [LINK].
Only a Dad
By Edgar Albert Guest
Only a dad, with a tired face, Coming home from the daily race, Bringing little of gold or fame, To show how well he has played the game, But glad in his heart that his own rejoice To see him come, and to hear his voice.
Only a dad, with a brood of four, One of ten million men or more. Plodding along in the daily strife, Bearing the whips and the scorns of life, With never a whimper of pain or hate, For the sake of those who at home await.
Only a dad, neither rich nor proud, Merely one of the surging crowd Toiling, striving from day to day, Facing whatever may come his way, Silent, whenever the harsh condemn, And bearing it all for the love of them.
Only a dad, but he gives his all To smooth the way for his children small, Doing, with courage stern and grim, The deeds that his father did for him. This is the line that for him I pen, Only a dad, but the best of men.
International Men’s Health Week is a global initiative intended to raise awareness of health issues that affect men, created to lead up to Father’s Day. This commemorative week encourages men and boys to take care of their health, and it encourages institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the needs of men and boys.
In 2002 Men’s Health Week became international when representatives from six leading men’s health organizations around the world met at the 2nd World Congress on Men’s Health in Vienna and resolved to work together to increase awareness of male health issues on a global level and to encourage health policies and services that meet the needs of men, boys, and their families.
The History
From gamh.org (Global Action on Men’s Health) we read the following: “Men’s Health Week is 30 years old this year! It began in the U.S. in 1994 following a Senate Joint Resolution to establish the Week by Senator Bob Dole. The Week was linked to Father’s Day in the U.S. (the Week always ends on that Day, the third Sunday in June) and it became an international event in 2002 when it was first marked in the UK. It has since been adopted in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand and beyond. The Week provides an opportunity for a wide range of organizations and individuals to draw attention to the poor state of men’s health, organize activities that engage men, and advocate changes to health policy and practice. In short, it puts men’s health on the map both nationally and globally.”
Major Health Issues for Men
We went to the Mayo Clinic website to find out about the major issues that affect men and boys. Unsurprisingly, heart disease and cancer top the list. Other health issues include injury, stroke, diabetes and lung disease. The website encourages healthy lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet and exercise.
The article states: “To protect your health, avoid risky actions, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol and having casual sex. And take steps to keep yourself safe. Use a seat belt when in a car. Wear a helmet when on a bike or motorcycle. Use a safety ladder to reach high areas. Manage illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Practice safer sex. Get all the suggested health screenings and vaccinations for your age.”
The Mayo Clinic also reminds men that extra weight in the form of belly fat can be an issue as men age. And they mention other topics such as male menopause – it is a myth or real? Testosterone levels do start going down after age 40 and it could have a negative effect on health. They offer answers to the testosterone question and other basic men’s health questions at this [LINK].
The International View
The different themes of various countries are listed at GAMH. Ireland asks men to picture their health, and ask themselves to create a goal, and go for it. Great Britain looks at the impact of the internet on men’s health. Quoting from the website: “The iPhone was born in 2007. Those born in the same year will turn 16 this year. They’ve grown up with a high-performance computer in their pocket. What are the implications for men’s health? That’s the question the Forum was looking at with a focus on ‘internet-fueled’ addictions including pornography and gambling.”
Australia focused on healthy habits, and asked men and boys to build healthy habits by identifying small changes they can make that benefit their health and wellbeing. They created a toolkit called Know Your Man Facts. In Canada, the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation extended the Week into Men’s Health Month, where they emphasized the benefits of physical activity. One of their suggestions was to intentionally choose a parking space that requires a nice long walk to the destination. Finally, in Germany the focus was on social isolation in older men.
Leading up to Father’s Day
We encourage the men we care for to think about it this week, leading up to Father’s Day – our sons, fathers, brothers, husbands, partners, friends, co-workers – please think about your health and make the changes you know you need to make. The international guidance is to… 1) create a goal, 2) examine your Internet use to make sure it’s healthy, 3) develop healthy habits, 4) engage in physical activity and 5) please make sure your elders are not socially isolated.
At AMS we encourage full use of our healthcare benefits for new health concerns, checkups and follow-ups and also use of our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits for mental health and other types of counseling and assistance free of charge. Please take care of You.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
We’re seeing Rainbows!! Everyone knows that June is Pride Month. Unlike some commemorations, Pride is celebrated all month long with events, stories and the rainbow flag flying.
In June we celebrate the many contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community to history, society and cultures worldwide. The reason June is chosen in the US is that the Stonewall Riots took place June 1969. In other countries pride events occur at other times of the year.
History of Pride Month
According to the History website [LINK], the gay rights movement goes back to the early 1900s, when a small number of individuals in the US and Europe created gay and lesbian organizations. One such organization is the Society for Human Rights. It was founded by Henry Gerber in Chicago in the 1920s.
After WWII, there were gay and lesbian-positive publications and the demands for the end of discrimination became stronger. From the website we read: “In 1966, for example, members of the Mattachine Society held a “sip-in” protest at Julius, a bar in New York City, where they demanded drinks after announcing that they were gay, in violation of local laws against serving alcohol to gays and lesbians.”
The article goes on, “Despite some progress in the postwar era, basic civil rights were largely denied to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people—until one night in June, 1969, when the gay rights movement took a furious step forward with a series of violent riots in New York City.”
Stonewall Riots & the first Parade
Imagine it being against the law to serve alcohol to gays and lesbians. Such a law seems unthinkable today, and we’re grateful for that. Of course the law set the stage for police raids, and a raid occurred on June 28, 1969 that changed the world – the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.
The employees and patrons were dragged out of the bar by the police, and some of them fought back. A crowd grew and people gathered in the street where clashes with the police took place. From the article we quote: “The confrontations quickly escalated and sparked six days of protests and violent clashes with the NYPD outside the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street and throughout the neighborhood. By the time the Stonewall Riots ended on July 2, 1969, the gay rights movement went from being a fringe issue largely ignored by politicians and the media to front-page news worldwide.”
The first Gay Pride parade took place one year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Why pride? The answer is very easy, as LGBTQ+ people were made to feel shame about themselves and their lifestyle. “According to activist Craig Schoonmaker, ‘I authored the word ‘pride’ for gay pride … [my] first thought was ‘Gay Power.’ I didn’t like that, so proposed gay pride. There’s very little chance for people in the world to have power. People did not have power then; even now, we only have some. But anyone can have pride in themselves, and that would make them happier as people, and produce the movement likely to produce change.”
The article goes on to say, “In June 2000, President Bill Clinton officially designated June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, in recognition of the Stonewall Riots and gay activism throughout the years. A more-inclusive name was chosen in 2009 by President Barack Obama: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month.”
What Does LGBTQ+ Stand For?
Before we leave the subject of this important commemorative month, let’s understand the acronym LGBTQ+. The letters stand for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, which means ‘questioning’. The plus sign recognizes the additional sexual orientations and gender identities. We hope our readers will enjoy the Pride events during this month.
Finally, we see that this battle for equality and respect is not yet over: “Gay Pride events are nonetheless seen as vital protests against repression and isolation in places such as Serbia, Turkey and Russia, where Pride parades have been met with antigay violence. Even in the United States, a rise in bloodshed, killings and threats at Pride and other gay events and gatherings highlights the oppression the LGBTQ+ community still faces.”
As with so many of the instances of prejudice, discrimination and injustice that we have seen and done battle with, this one still continues on in areas of the world. We look forward to the day when our battles for human freedom and justice are won, and we live in a world where DE&I is no longer needed.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
Before we leave the month of May, we need to acknowledge and celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month! JAHM is celebrated across many institutions due to the contributions of Jewish Americans to the arts, sciences, culture and government. This month was first recognized in 2006. It serves as a time to celebrate the many and profound contributions of Jewish Americans in our nation’s history.
The story dates back to when the first known Jewish immigrant, Jacob Barsimson, arrived in New York City in 1654. Around the turn of the 20th century a large wave of immigrants arrived, and the population went from about 80,000 Jewish Americans in 1880 to 1.5 million in 1920.
Today Jewish Americans make up roughly 2.4% of the population and many have settled in New York City. In fact, New York has the second largest Jewish population of any city in the world, behind only Tel Aviv, Israel.
The Profound Contributions
From ajc.org we read the following: “Over the past 370 years, Jewish Americans have given to their communities and this nation as loyal and patriotic citizens, always grateful for the safe harbor that America provided for them. Jewish Americans have served in government and the military, have won Nobel prizes, headed universities and corporations, advanced medicine, created and performed in enduring works of performing and visual art, written great American novels, and become emblems of justice as members of the Supreme Court, and so much more. Perhaps most importantly, American Jews have always pushed America to live up to its promise as a nation that upholds freedom and justice for all.”
Let’s mention a few familiar names: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; composer Irving Berlin; baseball star Hank Greenberg; author Judie Blume; the people’s attorney Louis Brandeis; feminist writer Betty Friedan; educator and human rights advocate Elie Wiesel; poet Emma Lazarus; nurse and humanitarian Lillian Wald; theologian Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel; Ambassador and educator Deborah Lipstadt; Physicist Albert Einstein; inventor Levi Strauss; author Hannah Arendt; comic book creator Stan Lee; artist Barbra Streisand; NASA scientist Judith Resnik; film director Steven Spielberg; pharmacologist Gertrude Elion; manufacturer Julius Rosenwald (Sears & Roebuck); labor union activist Rose Schneiderman; scientist/physician Jonas Salk; Olympian gymnast Aly Raisman; comic book writer Will Eisner; baseball pitcher Sandy Koufax… and we could go on and on. We thank these artists and scientists, scholars and athletes and the many millions more who have brought their minds and talents to America.
The History
It was President George W. Bush who first proclaimed the month on April 20, 2006. He did so in cooperation with Sen. Arlen Specter as well as the South Florida Jewish Community and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Since then, annual proclamations have been made by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden.
From Wikipedia we read the following: “The Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition states that, JAHM also enables the exploration of the meaning of religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and participation in American civic culture. May was chosen as the month of Jewish American Heritage Month because of the successful 350th Anniversary Celebration of Jews in America marking the Jewish arrival in New Amsterdam.
“In 2020, the National Museum of American Jewish History successfully pivoted Jewish American Heritage Month to online programming and launched a website with the support of more than 50 organizations around the country, forging ahead even in the era of COVID-19.” Here is a link to that excellent website, and we encourage a visit [LINK].
Appreciation from AMS
Jewish Americans have faced unspeakable discrimination and adversity and yet the people have always persevered. We thank Jewish Americans for the incredible contributions to America and to our lives. We thank the ones who came before, and the future generations who will continue to contribute to America and the world.
Thank You for making America your home and giving so much talent and wisdom to the arts, sciences, government and culture of this country.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
A few days ago, we gave thanks to the military members and veterans. It was Armed Forces Day, and we celebrated the men and women who protect us. Today, May 27, is Memorial Day – a federal holiday commemorating those who gave their lives in protecting us. We will begin this commemoration with a quote from a soldier named Angela Leath [LINK]:
“Throughout my Army career, I carried a piece of paper folded in the breast pocket of my uniform with a list of the names of the 35 soldiers killed in my brigade during my first deployment to Iraq. I carried it as a reminder of the sacrifice that these men and women made for our country; and as a reminder of how lucky I was to have made it out alive.
“Fourteen years later, I still find myself pulling out that list every Memorial Day. Outwardly, I smile, barbeque, swim and pretend to have the “Happy” Memorial Day that so many people look forward to. However, internally I feel the same emotional heaviness and overwhelming sense of sadness that I felt when I left Iraq. My mind often races with images of Iraq running through it – memories of all the memorial services I had to attend while deployed and of all the soldiers who were quietly removed from theatre, or the main area of operations, whose lives were lost to suicide.”
What This Day Means
The National Holiday called Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. This special day commemorates all men and women who gave their lives when serving and it also thanks those who are currently serving. Quoting from Awareness Days [LINK]:
“National Memorial Day is formally known as Decoration Day, the day that commemorated the Union and Confederate soldiers, who died during the American Civil War. Later the day extended to honor all American soldiers, who died while in the military service.
“Traditionally, the flag of the USA is raised briskly to the top of the flagstaff, then it is lowered to the half-staff position. This position is chosen in remembrance of those people, who died for their country. At noon the flag is raised to full-staff as the symbol that the memory of dead soldiers is being raised by the living. Their sacrifice was not in vain, that is why we rise up in their honor and continue fighting for liberty and justice.”
Veteran Mental and Emotional Health
War is recognized as noble, and it is a profound offering to put your life on the line for an ideal and for your country. But war is also hell for those who are fighting it. At PubMed [LINK] we find some information about the mental health challenges faced by those on the front lines.
“The most widely publicized mental health challenges veterans and service members encounter are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Although these mental health concerns are prominently highlighted, it is crucial to acknowledge that other issues, such as suicide, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorder (SUD), and interpersonal violence, can be equally detrimental in this population.”
The challenges and consequences of combat and deployment affect both the soldier and the family.
The article goes on to say, “Over 6% of the US population has served or is currently serving in the military. Notably, this number also does not consider the significant number of relatives affected by military service. Healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care they provide patients and potentially save their lives by comprehending the relationship between military service and a patient’s physical and mental well-being.”
The Angela Leath Story
We will conclude with a bit more of the story told in the beginning paragraph by Angela Leath. “While still on active duty, self-care was a foreign term to me. After eight years of service and two combat tours, I found myself being medically retired due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It took losing my military career for me to truly understand the value of keeping myself mentally healthy.
“For me, self-care means taking a hike in the mountains with my dogs in the morning and pausing to reflect on the beauty around me. If I am feeling overly stressed, it may also include a few moments of focused breathing. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising are also an important part of my routine.
“For other veterans, self-care may mean getting lost in a good book or listening to inspiring music. Essentially, self-care is anything that you do for yourself that provides you with a few moments of serenity.”
On this Memorial Day
Whatever you and your family decide to do on this special day, we encourage you to salute the soldiers. If you have lost a family member to war, we send you our condolences. If you or your family member are currently in the US Military or National Guard we thank you for putting your life on the line. May you be blessed with long life and good health.
Peace!
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
The first week in May was Occupational Safety and Health Week and the entire month of May is recognized as Global Health and Fitness Month. The Safety and the Health of our employees ranks high among AMS’ concerns, and we do have a strong focus in these areas, so let’s look into it.
We’re going to recognize both of these commemorations today, first by highlighting AMS’ comprehensive Safety program and secondly by pointing out the vital Health Assistance we offer to all employees.
The Commemorations
Occupational Safety and Health Week is a national commemoration dating back to 1997 when an agreement was made between Canada, the US and Mexico to focus on occupational health and safety. In the first week in May a campaign is directed at employers, employees and safety organizations, focused upon safety issues.
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month dates back to1989 when a national health organization created the commemoration, taking place in May, with the aim of improving the health of the global workforce through initiatives and helpful programs. This commemoration is focused on encouraging mental well-being and healthy living.
Occupational Safety and Health at AMS
In a fulfillment company there is risk of ergonomic injuries. Here’s what Google says about ergonomics: “Ergonomics is the scientific study of people at work, and occupational ergonomics is the practice of designing tasks to fit the worker, rather than forcing the worker to fit the job. The goal of ergonomics is to improve worker performance, productivity, health, safety, and comfort, while also preventing soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).”
At AMS we always have and always will design our tasks to fit the worker. We also protect the health of our employees through comprehensive safety training with regard to ergonomics. Every employee is trained in the best methods of avoiding strain on the body, and this training is done following OSHA guidelines.
We understand and practice the safe means of doing repetitive movements as well as safety when handling heavy packages. AMS has an outstanding safety record with far fewer lost-time injuries than most of our competitors, and we also strive for continuous improvements in our training procedures. AMS is into Safety!!
Mental Health and Healthy Living at AMS
The promotion of health and fitness is described online as follows [LINK]: “Every year in May, Global Employee Health and Fitness Month aims to improve the health of the global workforce. Through initiatives and helpful programs, the campaign encourages employers to engage their employees in healthful activities. It also provides a variety of wellness and fitness programs to complement already existing programs. Employers with wellness programs have healthier employees who are more productive. Wellness programs reduce overall healthcare costs and reduce illness and injury.”
AMS has two wellness programs in place as benefits of employment, those being our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health Advocate Support. We encourage our employees to make use of these free programs, and they do.
The EAP covers a very wide range of employee health assistance. Employees are given access via phone to professional assistance that is free of charge. This assistance includes consultation with licensed mental health professionals to help with emotional well-being, family and relationships, work/life balance and so forth. There is also access to professional legal assistance, help with financial tools and resources, help with substance use and other addictions, and if it is needed, dependent and elder care resources.
Health Advocate Support is a mobile app offered by AMS to all employees. The app offers health services and assistance. A huge amount of information is available as well as news alerts, tips to improve well-being, and even a symptom checker for a variety of conditions to help employees decide when to call the doctor and what can be done at home.
In addition to our wellness programs, we encourage our employees to manage their health quickly and securely via the United Health Care app which helps guide them through the healthcare benefits. At this app employees can access wellness programs, earn fitness points, and redeem rewards and much more.
Our Employees Have a Stake
AMS is a B Corporation, and that means we have stakeholders in our business; those being employees, community, clients, environment and ourselves. We know the value of our employees! They directly serve our clients and that is significant value. We are committed to consider our employees when making decisions and committed to create circumstances for their well-being. Employee safety is always on our minds as is employee health.
When our employees are safe, healthy and cared for we succeed!!
To our valued employees – we encourage you to contact HR and make use of the EAP and Health Advocate support any time you have the need. We also encourage you to report any and all safety concerns to your supervisor – and we thank you for your help. Safety is a primary concern.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
Thank you for your exemplary performance during the month of April: KRISTINA S., TAJA C., STACY C., JAMES G., JEANNETTE S., AMBER S., TIFFANY S., JOSE R., and EDITH S.
In the fulfillment industry, employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business. At AMS Fulfillment we appreciate and value our employees, and we respect and invest in them. Every month we see our employees working hard with such outstanding dedication and we are continually impressed by the results they produce!
Congratulations to this month’s winners! All Winners will receive an Employee of the Month Certificate, T-Shirt, and Quarterly Celebration Lunch!
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KRISTINA S., Operations Supervisor II (11/27/2006) Boulden, DE
“Krissy has been with the company for almost 18 years, and she worked her way up from “stuffing envelopes” to Operations Supervisor I. Krissy is always willing to come in early, stay late, and come in on the weekends to make sure all orders are completed, and deadlines are met. Krissy is also willing to learn as much as she can within the company. She displays a level of dedication that has been extremely valuable to the company, and she is a great leader.” – Lori F.
TAJA C., Operations Lead I (03/02/2022) Churchman’s, DE
“Taja has been a recent addition to our Churchman’s team, coming over from the Boulden Facility. Taja has stepped into the role of VAS lead for CT and has been nothing short of a rockstar since joining us! Taja’s enthusiasm with the team is infectious, her attention to detail is unmatched and her hunger to learn more is always evident… even if it’s just a new word of the day! Taja has contributed so much to our team since starting over here in March and has truly been instrumental in getting VAS off and running in Churchman’s. We also LOVE when her son LJ stops by to say hello and shows us his newest toy car. I am excited to see her continued growth with us at AMS and as an individual. I consider myself super lucky to have her here as part of the Fam!” – Sarah M.
STACY C., Senior Account Manager (04/18/2016) Client Services, Valencia, CA
“I want to nominate Stacy Carrillo as Employee of the Month due to their exceptional performance in their role as Senior Account Manager. Stacy’s work, dedication, and attitude have significantly impacted their team and other departments within the organization. Stacy has also established excellent relationships with all their accounts, which has significantly contributed to the achievements of the Account Management team. Stacy is always available to help and consistently brings new ideas and solutions to the table. It’s great to have someone like Stacy in a leadership role, as Stacy works really hard to maintain a positive culture, making everyone on the team feel valued and appreciated. There are many more attributes we have added to this submission below, but we must say that Stacy is amazing, and we truly enjoy the work we do together!” – Evelyn R. and CS03 Team
“Stacy is always overflowing with positivity and a can-do attitude and strives to go above and beyond for AMS and its clients. Stacy demonstrates that they are second to none amongst their peers.” – Manny M
“Just when you think you matched Stacy’s high positive energy, they level it up again! Stacy is a positive energy powerhouse.” – Cade R
“Stacy’s unwavering dedication, exceptional intelligence, and contagious energy have truly made a significant impact on our team and the company as a whole. Stacy is well deserving of this recognition and continues to ensure that the team strives for nothing but the best.” – Sandy V.
“We are grateful to have Stacy as a manager, not only a manager but a great leader who leads by example. Thank you for all the support and belief in OUR team.” – Jocelyn G.
“Stacy does it all! They are always there to support, coach, and lead our team!” – Jason H.
“Stacy is a pivotal force within our team, always bringing good energy, and being available for us all. Stacy’s hard work and dedication speak for itself through the accounts. Thank you for leading us by example.” – Esperanza E.
“Always there for the team, the positive attitude is contagious and motivational.” – Ingrid I.
“You make a difference every day. Your commitment inspires us all. We are grateful for your exceptional work, and you are a valuable asset to our team. Thank you for all you do to make us better every day!” – Ana M.
JAMES G., Inventory Receiving Specialist I (06/16/2011) HQ WH, Valencia, CA
“James continues to “KICK BUTT”, day in and day out as he consistently maneuvers through each client replenishment as fast as they drop orders! He is always willing to get it done, come early, work weekends, help others, and work with sharp skill and precision. James assists all sides of the business and makes sure that he leaves no work undone. James is a Team player, a safe driver, quick and efficient, and an all-around great person.” -Ignacio F. & HQ Receiving Team
JEANNETTE S., Operations Associate II (11/12/2021) LIV, Valencia, CA
“Jeannette is an Outstanding Employee here at Livingston. Jeannette demonstrates her dedication to AMS daily by reporting to work every day, working hard, and has no problem taking on any task that is given to her. Jeannette works at “The Wall” and pick-packs. When other locations have an increased work volume, Jeannette is one of the first employees that other members of leadership request, and she is well respected in other departments and locations. Jeannette could always be counted on in every way, she is an AMAZING TEAM PLAYER. Thank you, Jeannette, for all your hard work, commitment, and being the Team player that you are!!”– Saul M.
AMBER S., Operations Manager I, (05/09/2022) Newark, DE
“Amber has been climbing the ranks here at AMS, and has been recently promoted to Operations Manager, a well-deserved promotion! So not only are we celebrating Amber as EOM, but she is also our new Ops Manager!! Amber will now be taking point at the Newark facility.
“To keep this recognition to only EOM would be doing an injustice. Amber is dedicated to getting the job done and willing to go the extra mile. This drive and willingness to learn all areas in the building have helped her create the success she has. Amber has not only excelled in operations, but she has created great repour with the CS team.
“She came to us from a staffing agency as an Ops Associate and as this building started growing, we needed leadership, and Amber was a well-earned choice and became a Team Lead. In a short period thereafter, she was promoted to an Ops Supervisor, and continuing to show us her skills- she is now an Ops Manager.
“As Director of Operations, it is a great feeling to know that I can go on vacation and the building is in good hands. I am proud of the leader you are and excited to witness your continued growth. Sometimes it may feel difficult but that is temporary. You are the future of AMS, keep pushing forward!! Thank you Amber and I wish you continued success.” – Steve C.
TIFFANY S., Operations Lead I (05/03/2021) New Holland, PA
“Over the past few months, Tiffany has demonstrated significant progress in her position as Operations Associate 1. Tiff has shown enhanced proficiency in comprehending client requirements, taking ownership of tasks, and improving communication skills. Tiff consistently displays a strong work ethic, often going above and beyond by willingly working additional hours to get the job done. Tiff should take pride in her personal and professional growth. This acknowledgment is well deserved!” – Wendy M.
“Tiffany is a wonderful asset to the operations department and fully deserves this recognition. Tiffany is dedicated and hardworking, committed to constantly learning and developing best practices for managing routine activities efficiently and effectively, and is consistently reliable and quick to respond to communications and provides follow-up whenever it is necessary promptly. She is very much a team player and always shows consistent effort and a positive attitude. I believe that Tiffany is truly deserving of this recognition, and I am positive that she will continue to make a positive impact in her role with AMS.” – Elaine K.
JOSE R., Operations Associate III (10/30/2018) WIL, Valencia, CA
“Jose is an excellent worker. He has 100% commitment to do the job correctly and in an efficient way the first time. Jose very easily moves to whatever task is assigned to him. He will also produce suggestions on how to make the job more efficient. He always has a positive attitude which spreads across to other AMS co-workers. We appreciate his commitment to his work.” – Larry M.
EDITH S., Laser Engraving Specialist (08/16/2021) WIT, Valencia, CA
“Edith has been with us since 2021 as she has grown tremendously! She gives her best efforts every day and takes the initiative to get things done. She is always willing to learn new things. She is a good team player when it comes to helping with things that she may not be accustomed to daily, like handling engraving orders. Edith shows up every day very positive-minded and is someone we can always count on. It has been a pleasure watching your growth!! Thank you !!” – Yesenia P.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
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To all of our Honorees, please know that whatever role you play, you are the reason for our success. Congratulations and Thank You!
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, committed to put People and Planet before Profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
There are lots and lots of commemorative days, created in order to bring our attention to an event, or a change that is needed, or a person who deserves recognition. The commemorative day associated with May 24 is National Brother’s Day.
The intention of this unofficial holiday is to celebrate the marvelous relationship between brothers and sisters and brothers and brothers. Ask anyone about their brothers and most likely you’ll get a lot of understanding and love and support and reliance and gratitude. You might also get some rivalry and disappointment as sibling relationships can be complicated.
Our intention in this writing is to take the word ‘brother’ to another level, that is the level of ‘Brotherhood’. But first, just a moment of history of the commemoration.
A Bit of History
We will begin with a quote from National Day [LINK]
“The word ‘brother’ stems from the Latin root ‘frater’ and the Proto-Germanic word ‘brothar,’ which itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root ‘bhrater.’ Regardless of origin, both in words and in blood, our brothers have our backs over and over again. They’re our closest friends and, sometimes, the most annoying people we know. But we love them anyway. Even some of the most famous people in history had brothers to lean on and be annoyed by.
“Brother’s Day has been celebrated on May 24 since the year 2005. Although the exact details of the holiday are unknown, it was Alabama-based C. Daniel Rhodes who had first organized the holiday and its proceedings. In some regions, National Brother’s Day is an unofficial holiday. It is not to be confused with National Siblings Day, which takes place in April.”
What is Brotherhood?
To our minds, ‘Brotherhood’ is a crown of humanity. To live with each other as Brothers is a deeply desired state. When corporations practice DE&I that should be recognized as an effort they are making toward true Brotherhood.
We have found two poems for your enjoyment and understanding. The first is from Langston Hughes, entitled “I, Too”.
I, Too Poem by Langston Hughes
I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.
Tomorrow, I’ll be at the table When company comes. Nobody’ll dare Say to me, ‘Eat in the kitchen,’ Then.
Besides, They’ll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed-
I, too, am America.
What a beautiful offering, and deeply relevant to this day. Our next writing is from Kahlil Gibran. The entire “A Poet’s Voice” can be found at this [LINK]. We have selected a few paragraphs from Part Three.
Part Three A Poet’s Voice Xv Poem by Kahlil Gibran
“Thou art my brother because you are a human, and we both are sons of one Holy Spirit; we are equal and made of the same earth.
“You are here as my companion along the path of life, and my aid in understanding the meaning of hidden Truth. You are a human, and, that fact sufficing, I love you as a brother. You may speak of me as you choose, for Tomorrow shall take you away and will use your talk as evidence for his judgment, and you shall receive justice.
“You may deprive me of whatever I possess, for my greed instigated the amassing of wealth and you are entitled to my lot if it will satisfy you.
“You may do unto me whatever you wish, but you shall not be able to touch my Truth.
“You may shed my blood and burn my body, but you cannot kill or hurt my spirit.
“You may tie my hands with chains and my feet with shackles, and put me in the dark prison, but who shall not enslave my thinking, for it is free, like the breeze in the spacious sky.
“You are my brother and I love you. I love you worshipping in your church, kneeling in your temple, and praying in your mosque. You and I and all are children of one religion, for the varied paths of religion are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being, extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, anxious to receive all.
“I love you for your Truth, derived from your knowledge; that Truth which I cannot see because of my ignorance. But I respect it as a divine thing, for it is the deed of the spirit. Your Truth shall meet my Truth in the coming world and blend together like the fragrance of flowers and becoming one whole and eternal Truth, perpetuating and living in the eternity of Love and Beauty.
“I love you because you are weak before the strong oppressor, and poor before the greedy rich. For these reasons I shed tears and comfort you; and from behind my tears I see you embraced in the arms of Justice, smiling and forgiving your persecutors. You are my brother and I love you.”
Our message is delivered through these poets. America has endured a long struggle to bring an end to racism and discrimination. When corporations make the commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and they include justice as well (JEDI) it is a high point of the corporation. The corporation embraces the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of humanity. At AMS we seek to be the change we wish to see in the world – we’re a B corporation with an intention to be human.
If you’re lucky enough to have a brother or two, give them a call today. Your brother likely holds a high position in your heart, no matter the differences – your brother is there, and you have shared a whole lot of time with him. Chances are you love each other.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
It’s Armed Forces Day on May 18th and we want to pay tribute to all AMS employees, their families, and the men and women in our communities who have served and are now serving in the Armed Forces. We thank you and we appreciate your sacrifices on our behalf.
It was President Truman who established the holiday with the purpose of honoring the military heroes for their support of the USA. The holiday honors service in all six branches of the military – Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the Space Force. Unlike Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day celebrates men and women currently serving, and honors those serving in the Reserve components of the military and the National Guard. The Air National Guard and the Army National Guard are reserve components of their services. We honor and thank the AMS employees currently serving in the National Guard Reserves.
A Bit of History
From Veterans.com [LINK] we learn some of the history:
“Although, originally, there were single day celebrations for the Army, Navy and Air Force; this format changed on Aug. 21, 1949, when Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day.
“The first official Armed Forces Day took place on May 20, 1950, and was themed “Teamed for Defense.” In honor of the special day, B-36 Bombers flew over state capitals, a march was led by more than 10,000 veterans and troops in Washington, D.C., and over 33,000 people participated in a New York City parade.”
“In 1961, John F. Kennedy declared Armed Forces Day a national holiday. It’s celebrated on the third Saturday of every May and is exhibited by exercises, parades, and receptions that highlight and honor our amazing military and all of its strength.”
Celebrated Around the World
We find it interesting that the celebration of Armed Forces is not just done on this day in the US. The other countries participating in recognition of their Armed Forces include Australia and New Zealand, Canada, the UK, France, Japan, China, Russia, and quite a few more. According to our source, other countries that honor their military on this day include the aforementioned plus Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burma, Chile, Cuba, Egypt, Finland, Georgia, Guatemala, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, North Korea, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
How We Need the Reserves
Reserve duty is similar to a part-time job in that the soldiers attend training one weekend per month plus two weeks totaling 38 days per year. This schedule allows the reservists to work in the private sector in their chosen career fields.
What is so appreciated about AMS employees, and soldiers in our communities, serving in the Military Reserves and National Guard is that they respond to disasters such as flooding, hurricanes and so forth. Army Reserve units have supported many humanitarian and relief operations over the years, and we have come to count on them to ‘be there’ when help is needed.
These Reserve Units have expertise in logistics and engineering, including communications systems, and air and road transportation. They are always needed during humanitarian emergencies and we are grateful that they volunteer to be called upon when we need them.
From our veterans.com source is a list of just the hurricane emergencies where Army Reserve units were called in to help:
“The U.S. Army Reserve has responded to disasters such as Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Hurricane Maria in 2017, Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Michael in 2018, Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, Hurricane Dorian in 2019, and the Puerto Rico Earthquake in 2020.”
Thank You for Your Service
We salute you and thank you, all current members of the US Military and that gratitude definitely extends to the Reserves and National Guard. We searched for an appropriate quote with which to sign off, and found this statement:
“There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.” — General James H. Doolittle
Thank you to AMS men and women who serve and have served – you are appreciated and we are grateful that you are there to be called upon in times of domestic need.
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
If one group of human beings deserves recognition and appreciation it has to be Family. On May 15th we’re recognizing the International Day of Families. This year the recognition of families has as its intention a focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular, climate change.
Quoting from the UN website [LINK] we learn about these goals.
“On 25 September 2015, the 193 member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the Sustainable Development Goals; a set of 17 goals aiming to eliminate poverty, discrimination, abuse and preventable deaths, address environmental destruction, and usher in an era of development for all people, everywhere. Families and family-oriented policies and programs are vital for the achievement of many of these goals.”
The goals are inspiring… to eliminate poverty and discrimination, eliminate abuse and preventable deaths – wonderful. The goals of eliminating poverty and discrimination and addressing environmental destruction are AMS’ goals as well. We continue to put best practices in place which align with these Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.
A Bit of History
The UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of the Family in December of 1989. Later in 1993 the General Assembly indicated a commemorative day dedicated to families. The purpose was to bring to our awareness social, economic and demographic issues related to or affecting families. The Sustainable Development Goals were written and established 22 years later, in 2015.
We Are a Family
AMS considers itself a corporate family and we do our best to appreciate our co-workers as family. How do we support the goal of eliminating poverty and discrimination at AMS? Our activities committee finds ways to contribute to the community, helping in various fundraisers and making donations to organizations that support our underrepresented communities. From time to time our clients wish to donate and we are happy to facilitate those donations as well.
We hire individuals who are at risk of homelessness, single mothers and fathers, individuals with a prison record, disabled persons; many men and women for whom getting hired is a challenge. We practice DE&I as well, which in essence means there is absolutely no exclusion, inequity or discrimination based on race or gender in our hiring, promotion and development programs of employees.
How do we support the goal of addressing environmental destruction? We work together to ‘Go Green’! Our family fully participates in recycling – and that includes an enormous amount of plastic stretch film that every fulfillment company deals with. Our waste film is recycled into new plastic products. The AMS facilities and equipment are as ‘green’ as possible as are the packaging materials we purchase and utilize.
Climate Change
AMS joins with the UN in recognizing and dealing with the effects of climate change. The following is from the UN:
“Climate change negatively impacts the health and well-being of families through increased pollution, while extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, such as hurricanes, droughts and floods, often lead to forced displacement and loss of livelihoods for families and individuals. Such events impact agricultural productivity and access to water, intensifying hunger and vulnerability. They cause economic disruption in industries sensitive to climate impacts such as agriculture and fisheries. Without drastic action, adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of climate change will become increasingly difficult and costly.”
The AMS family is doing its very best in not allowing our company to carelessly pollute the environment, both with eliminating emissions through GHG reporting and carbon offsetting and also with extensive recycling. AMS was carbon neutral in 2023 and we are doing our best to do the same or better in 2024.
Our At-Home Families
Of course we understand that the UN focus on families is referring to our at-home families – our mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, our children and grandchildren, our uncles and aunts, our grandmothers and grandfathers, our Families. Our first lessons in relationships with others are learned in our families.
For most of us, family is our precious foundation, giving us the feeling of security, care, a listening ear, shared responsibility, respect, and stability. The issues that the UN focuses upon are the health of our families, our education, the work-family balance and inclusion.
We will conclude with one more quote from the UN:
“Empowering families through education, changing consumption habits, and advocacy is critical for meaningful and effective climate action. Families pass values across generations, so instilling sustainable habits and climate awareness in families from an early age is important. Integrating circular economy principles into early childhood education can help build a sustainable economic model based on minimizing waste and regenerating natural resources. Families as consumers and advocates can drive the transition to a circular economy.”
Yes we can! A circular economy refers to repairing, re-using, recycling, sharing… extending the life-cycle of those things we use. Learning to care about our Earth and our environment begins in the family and we are happy to put our minds to minimizing waste and doing so as a family. Happy International Day of Families, AMS!
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AMS Fulfillment is a Certified B Corporation, dedicated to putting People and Planet before profit. We work to B the Change we wish to see in the world.
Of all the commemorations and celebrations we cover in this blog, Black Music Month has to be one of the most enjoyable to ponder. How did Black music affect the American culture? The answer has to be – profoundly and beautifully!!
It’s Armed Forces Day on May 18th and we want to pay tribute to all AMS employees, their families, and the men and women in our communities who have served and are now serving in the Armed Forces. We thank you and we appreciate your sacrifices on our behalf.