Covenant House Newsroom

From Harriet Tubman to John Lewis to Barack Obama, Black History Month is a reminder for our community to reflect on the positive contributions and the rich and valuable history of generations of people who are Black, and to celebrate those making history today like Stacey Abrams and Amanda Gorman.

Covenant House is proud to stand with the Black and African American leaders who have left their mark in history, especially those who have fought for justice, equality and policy change fueled by the belief that no young person should ever be homeless. 

During Black History Month, we’ll use our platform to honor the devotion and spirit of Black leaders working and volunteering in the Covenant House community, and we’ll feature stories of creative and resilient young people whose voices will shape the future. Collaborators like Take-Two Interactive, an irreplaceable partner in our work with young people experiencing homelessness, and BLKT2, an employee resource group within Take-Two that inspires young people to pursue the great promise of their lives. 

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive is a leading global developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software—and a longtime supporter of Covenant House. They continually look for ways to deepen that relationship and, most importantly, to help Covenant House make a difference in the lives of young people.  

Last summer, BLKT2, an employee resource group, was formed within Take-Two. “The beauty of the black experience is found in its rich diversity,” the group underscores, pointing out that it is composed of Black employees who represent a range of cultural backgrounds, including West African, Caribbean, and Latino.

One of BLKT2's pillars, community impact, inspired the group to contribute resources to dedicated Covenant House programs as a complement to Take-Two's broader support.  

They aimed to inspire Covenant House youth to pursue their career goals by introducing them to successful Black employees who are integral to Take-Two’s fabric. During Black History Month, they kept creativity front and center, a natural extension of their work creating video games, which are among the most innovative and creative artistic expressions in the world today. 

One creative activity BLKT2 sponsored at Covenant House New York was a “walking gallery” through Black history that covered some of the major contributions of Black artists, scientists, educators, sports figures, and tech experts to our society and world. The tour was followed by an open discussion, a talent show, and dinner. 

BLKT2 also sponsored a Paint and Snack event for the Covenant House community at our shelter in midtown Manhattan, where youth enjoyed an afternoon of cupcakes and creative expression.

When asked to highlight a Black leader with special meaning for their work, BLKT2 pointed to Stanley Pierre-Louis, the president and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, the trade association that represents the interactive entertainment industry. Pierre-Louis gave a fireside chat at Take-Two’s marquee Black History Month event this year. His leadership in advocating for the industry, which is experiencing exponential growth around the world, inspired BLKT2’s membership.  

Take-Two and BLKT2 believe “Empathy for people from marginalized groups comes by way of honest conversations. Openness to having those candid conversations, and demonstrating awareness of one’s privilege in the process, would ensure significant growth toward racial equity.”