This February, we will be recognizing Black History Month by sharing the perspectives of some of our Black employees on the importance of this month. Please join us this February by following along on our social media and our Life at Spectrum blog.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month is a special time to take a step back to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions that African Americans have bought to the world that makes everyone’s daily operations much better. These life improvements range from color desktop computer monitors to laser treatment for cataracts to blood banks to children’s toys to traffic lights.
What advice do you have on celebrating Black History Month all year long?
A very easy way to support Black History Month all year long would be to support black owned businesses and seek to understand the road traveled of the black community.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time for all to celebrate the accomplishments of black people that came before us, and the accomplishments that we continue to achieve. There are many black people that have come before us and paved the way for us to be able to accomplish our goals and dreams today.
My grandparents are my inspiration. My grandfather led a team at H.B. Zachry, building many of the buildings in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. My grandmother was on the transplant team at Methodist Hospital and was part of the team that did Sean Elliott’s kidney transplant. Before that she was part of the team that completed the first heart transplant in San Antonio.
There are many more black people that make history every day. This is a time to celebrate the road they paved so that we may have a better day.
What advice do you have on celebrating Black History Month all year long?
I look around at everything we have from the traffic signal to automatic elevator doors and am grateful for their accomplishments. I believe we can celebrate Black History Month all year by maintaining equality to all people.
The truth is, a black person may have had the thought, while another race may have helped, and vice versa. It takes the human race to accomplish success amongst all things. Celebrating black history all year long to me is equivalent to equality to all. We must continue to learn and work together to be able to build a better future.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of African American history. It is a time to recognize the contributions and struggles of African Americans throughout the United States' history and to honor the resilience of the African American community. It serves to highlight the importance of racial equality and to promote cultural understanding. I also remind myself of the famous “I have a dream” speech which is dear to my heart.
What advice do you have on celebrating Black History Month all year long?
One way to celebrate Black History Month all year long is to create more educational opportunities to learn about African American history year round. This could include more classes in schools, community-based history initiatives, and increased access to books and other resources on Black history. Additionally, creating more public events and activities to celebrate Black history throughout the year would also help.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I view Black History month as a time to reflect, celebrate and honor my ancestors and other African American leaders that shaped the path for my generation and the ones to come.
What advice do you have on celebrating Black History Month all year long?
Every day is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate Black History. I like to spend the year supporting various minority organizations and causes that encourage racial and gender equality.
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