This year, Rachel Redman, our UW School of Social Work intern, connected with some of our black and African American participants, staff, and board members to learn about what Black History Month means to them, how they celebrate, and who inspires them. Read their responses below!
Tanisha, FamilyWorks participant
Which black figure has inspired you and why? Examples… singer, actress, civil rights activist, actress, actor, etc…
India Arie, singer and songwriter, and Maya Angelou-Poet, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist
India Arie inspires me because she is an advocate for black love and Unity and what it entails, and expresses this in her music. She sings from a place of authenticity and confidence for who she is as a black female musician. Not afraid of expressing herself in her own creative way in black music as a whole.
Some favorite songs by India Arie:
– “Steady Love”
– “I Am Not My Hair”
– “Get It Together”
Maya Angelou inspires me because she overcame so many obstacles as a black woman especially when oppression was heavily rampant in her time towards the black community. She was a beacon of light and source of motivation for black women to remain brave and fearless in times of hardship and injustice, and she showed this through her poems and her selfless humanitarian deeds.
Poems I find very inspiring:
“Still I Rise”
“Caged Bird”
Favorite Quote:
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black history month reminds me constantly of what sacrifice means. So many black lives were lost in the process of trying to bring equality to us as a people. Those efforts are acknowledged and respected, and so continuing to set the example as black parents and families to be selfless for each other and for future generations when it comes to showing love and care to build stronger black communities despite the oppressive systems we face today.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
How I recognize BHM is being proud of who I am as an African American woman and feeling so grateful for the contributions my people made so that I can have the opportunities I have today. I celebrate everyday with my family by always reminding them of who they are and where they come from. I work against the stereotypes and Biases that I face on a day-to-day basis. I show my strength, but I always remain humble because I am a part of a strong people.
Shannon, FamilyWorks participant
Which black figure has inspired you and why? Examples… singer, actress, civil rights activist, actress, actor, etc…
Malcolm X – Went extra lengths to ensure that the black community had a fair and equitable opportunity in the community.
Martin Luther King, Jr. – Turned the other cheek, and didn’t use violence to solve social issues in the black and white communities. MLK had a peaceful and humble approach towards oppressive systems in his time, and never allowed attitudes and ignorance to change him or his approach towards eliminating racism. Not only fighting for black rights, but for all people to live together in peace.
Viola Davis – African American Actress
Maya Angelou – Poet, Singer, Activist
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Supporting and educating Black youth when it comes to black history and the contributions that were made for us to be where we are today as a people. Knowing wholeheartedly that black history is a big part of American history. The efforts that black people made and the contributions we are still making today should never go unrecognized, and should always be honored and respected. Creating an awareness of knocking down bias and stereotypes, and accepting and treating black individuals like any other people. BHM shouldn’t just be honored for 1 month, but throughout the year.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
Holding reminders for myself and my family about what BHM really stands for in the black community. Maintaining my joy and confidence in what it means to be black. That black is a beautiful thing.
Barrington, FamilyWorks participant
Which black figure has inspired you and why? Examples… singer, actress, civil rights activist, actress, actor, etc…
MLK, and others who worked to abolish slavery and injustices, advocating and sacrificing for others to receive justice and the same freedoms of others. Admirable, selfless in his efforts to advocate to others even in the face of losing his own life.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
A reminder of how Black people were written out of history and were not acknowledged for their efforts and contributions towards building America. Acknowledging how white supremacy and how the structures of it break down black families and communities, and thinking about what can be done to implement true change and equal rights. Being passionate and self reflecting on how blacks have been treated throughout history and bringing back acknowledgement and respect for the sacrifices blacks made towards this country.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
Making sure to reflect back on the accomplishments of black people, and really reflecting on the black experience. By Doing this we are paying homage to our ancestors, and acknowledging that their efforts were not in vain and showing gratitude and thankfulness for getting the black community this far in American society. Appreciating fearless black individuals who speak the truth regardless of what the outcomes might be.
Rachel Redman, UW School of Social Work Intern
Which black figure has inspired you and why? Examples… singer, actress, civil rights activist, actress, actor, etc…
I am inspired and motivated by Cicely Tyson, who was an African American Actress who portrayed the strength and power of African American women in her roles. She was so graceful and elegant and really set the bar high for black women in the entertainment industry. She beat the stereotypes and biases associated with what comes to mind when it comes to who black women are misunderstood to be, and what we represent as a people. Cicely was confident and represented how strong and resilient the black race truly is in the face of oppression and injustice.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me, BHM is a month that represents acknowledgment, selflessness for others and respect for all the black contributions that made it possible for freedoms and opportunities to be possible for not only people of color, but for everybody. It’s a month to meditate and self reflect on what it means to be an african american, and being proud of my heritage. Thinking about my family and the important things they taught me about the meaning of what black means and the definition of it. Strong, resilient, hopeful, and powerful, and among all else reminding myself to always be forgiving despite an oppressive past.
How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate BHM all the time, not just on BHM. It’s daily for me. I celebrate and appreciate all the black lives including myself by reaching out in our communities and trying to make a difference and a true transformative change. I make it my mission to advocate for black individuals and the BIPOC population in my work as a social work student and will always advocate for this underrepresented population in my future work.
Brianna Jackson, FamilyWorks Board Member
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an opportunity to spotlight the amazing contributions of Blacks in this country – most of which has either been completely left out of history books or the narrative has been manipulated to minimize the truth. We are living in a time where our young people are no longer accepting the status quo and want to know the real history of people and communities which is exciting to see the appetite for awareness and change. Black History Month for me is a time and space ( but not the only time) to celebrate Black people’s strength, light, magic, joy and to take stock of the legacy of perseverance and triumph that exists within my own family. Black History Month for me is a time to appreciate the contributions of Black culture in all aspects of our society in areas like music, food, fashion, literature to how we get to work every morning. It is a time for learning, sharing, and growing. It is a month to say out loud and from the rooftops that Black people matter and always will. Happy Black History Month!