In honor of Black History Month, we at Velociti take time to reflect on its significance. We’re honored to share insights from Jui, a District Manager in Arizona, and Ron, a Supervisor in Pennsylvania, who offer personal reflections on the meaning of Black History Month.
Black History Month: A Time for Reflection, Celebration, and Action
For Jui, Black History Month is a deeply meaningful period. “Black History Month holds a deeper significance for me than just a date on the calendar,” Jui shares. “It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and a reminder of my responsibility to engage with the past, present, and future of Black people globally.”
Ron also finds the month personally significant. “It refreshes and reminds me to keep my head up high and continue reaching for the stars,” says Ron, “knowing that as long as I believe in myself, I can learn from the achievements of leaders and successful Black individuals. It is possible!”
Celebrating Our Legacy
Both Jui and Ron acknowledge the importance of honoring the figures who paved the way for future generations. Jui notes, “This month is a celebration of the giants who paved the way for me, individuals like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the countless unsung heroes who fought for freedom and equality.”
Confronting Our Past and Present
Jui emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the difficult parts of history. “Black History Month also serves as a stark reminder of the systemic injustices and challenges that Black people continue to face. It’s a time to confront the harsh truths of slavery, Jim Crow, and the ongoing racial discrimination that persists today.”
A Call to Action
Both Jui and Ron see Black History Month as a catalyst for positive change. Jui states, “Most importantly, Black History Month is a call to action. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge the past; we must actively work towards a better future.” Ron adds, “Educating the public about the importance, love, and respect for the culture through media, holidays, and open forums” can help to celebrate and support Black culture year-round.
Lessons from Black History
When asked about the most relevant lessons from Black history, Ron stated “Persistence, patience, faith, and belief can overcome anything.” Jui also noted the importance of “the power of resistance and collective action, the enduring legacy of systemic racism, the importance of self-definition and cultural preservation, the interconnectedness of struggles for justice, and the power of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.”
Inspiration and Personal Reflection
Jui shares that he’s particularly inspired by Fannie Lou Hamer, “Her unwavering courage in the face of unimaginable adversity is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.” Ron finds inspiration in “Obama, Black coaches, and leaders who have figured out how to leverage their education, strong work ethic, positive personalities, and ability to smile through adversity to drive meaningful change.”
This Black History Month, Velociti is honored to share these reflections and looks forward to continuing to celebrate and support Black culture and history throughout the year.