What does Black History Month mean to you?
Each February, we celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.
It’s an opportunity to understand Black stories, uplift Black voices and spotlight those who have made a difference in our culture and history.
In celebration of Black History Month, United Way of Central Indiana asked teammates about the importance of this month. Here’s what they said:
Brandon Cobb, Senior Engagement Manager
Black History Month means looking back at the impact pioneers and leaders of the Black community have had on our community, organizations and cities. It means celebrating and honoring the legacy these leaders have laid for future generations to follow. It means supporting the advancement of the Black community amidst the racial injustices that continue to happen throughout the U.S. today. It means educating myself further and honoring the fact that we would not be where we are today without the innovative contributions these Black leaders and pioneers have made — and to remind myself daily that Black history cannot be contained to a single month but should celebrated year-round.
Vivien Carter, Corporate Engagement Manager
What Black History Month means to me is owning and being authentic in my own blackness. It also means looking back at our rich history to make sure I know where I came from so I can move forward and know where I’m going.
Whitney Fields, Director of 2Gen Partnerships and Engagement
This is the time to pause and reflect to ensure I’m being the best advocate and ally I can be. It’s also a time to celebrate culture and history authentically without tokenism.
Sherri Brown-Webster, Executive Assistant
Black History Month means to me: freedom. It’s the freedom to revisit my ancestors and their great contributions, what they’ve done to the world. Not just America, but the world. It’s a chance for me to be reminded of my history from where I came and to where I’m going, and the freedom to tell our stories.
Sheila Bradley, Corporate Volunteerism Manager
Celebrating Black History Month is about celebrating Black culture and appreciating the accomplishments of African American people. I am especially excited about how this month impacts our children and grandchildren as they see all the wonderful contributions our people make and have made in this country.
Denise Luster, Vice President of Impact Research and Analytics
It’s an opportunity to reflect on our ancestors and reflect back on what’s happening now and those voices who led the way. It’s also about telling the story of things that don’t get talked about, things that aren’t taught in the history books. We have been a part of this country, we have built this country, we have managed to build a life and culture from the depths of pain. It’s important to celebrate in February, but Black History is American History, and we can’t escape it. It should be celebrated at all times.
Thomas Benoist, Major Gifts Manager
As I reflect on what Black History Month means to me, it means to stand with my Black brothers and sisters — to fight for their rights. They stand with me as an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, and I stand with them just as much as they do with me.
LeRicia Rogers, Executive Assistant
Black History Month, for me, means opportunity. It’s the one month where awareness seems to be at its highest for diversity, equity and inclusion. This is the time, Black History Month, where we can have a voice, and hopefully we are saying what we need to say loud enough so we can continue to have a voice beyond February.
Victoria Petersen-Elia, Strategic Corporate Initiatives Manager
As a Latina, when I first moved to the United States, one of my first experiences was with the Black culture. I was able to learn how that was so similar to the Latin culture, which means to me, Black History Month is when all Black and Brown communities come together to celebrate what is important, and how far we’ve come, and how much further we need to go.
Dionna El-Marshall, Family Opportunity Project Associate
Black History Month means to me, a celebration. We can celebrate our ancestors, our elders. It’s a reminder of where we’ve been but also how much work and where we need to go. It’s very important, and I wish it was longer than a month. But I’m glad it gives us an opportunity to reflect and remember so we can continue to push forward, break the lever, and continue to grow from our past.