In honor and celebration of Black History Month, we’re sharing stories from our Youth Employees, Staff, and Board Members highlighting the Black role models in their lives and how they’re celebrating Black History Month this year.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Who are Black role models that inspire you?
Elizabeth Acevado
“One of my biggest inspirations is Elizabeth Acevedo. She’s a well-known author and I’ve read all of her books. My favorite book by her is the The Poet X and I relate heavily to her words. Her work inspires me to continue with my writing journey and perfect my art. Her art speaks many first-generation Black girls into existence and gives all of us a voice. I appreciate love what she has done for the people and literature.”
-Hawa, Youth Employee
My Parents
“The two people who inspired me the most are my parents. They were both teachers. My Dad eventually became an attorney and changed his entire law practice to focus on civil rights in the late 1950s. As a result, he was a past president of the local NAACP chapter. My Mother made sure that day to day it was instilled in us equity and that we could be a part of anything we wanted to be. She was constantly fighting for her family.”
-Charlie Broadnax, Board Member
President Barack Obama
“Barack Obama because he was able to show us that Black men or Black people in general can become powerful people. We weren’t just a statistic anymore. Yes we had ball players and other men who were in sports, but to finally have one as President of the United States was a great way to show all that we are not just great for being athletes.”
-Julius, Youth Employee
Nafeesah Muhammad
“Nafeesah Mohamed is a Black queen who is in our community that is allowing new opportunities within the school district of Minneapolis! She has completely inspired me to be the best me I can be while teaching me about our history!”
-Kazuri, Classroom Assistant
Rosa Parks
“She had the courage to stand for what she believed in: human rights. Even when people of color were afraid to fight for human rights.”
-Yee, Youth Employee
“I definitely consider Rosa Parks as a role model. She had stood up for herself and others, and had courage to do so. That is very inspiring for me and has made me realize how important is to be open minded.”
-Valeria, Youth Employee
Ms. Sadia
“I would say Ms. Sadia because she is a role model, a leadership and a hard working person. It’s a blessing to work with an open minded and hard working person.”
-Alexis, Youth Employee
Dr. Maya Angelou
“I had the honor of being a student of Dr. Maya Angelou’s in college. That semester of being in her class, hearing directly from Dr. Angelou, going to her home, becoming a part of her tribe was very influential on my life.”
– Michelle Edgerton, Director of Advancement
My Friend, Cierra
“My friend Cierra is a role model because she has a lot of Black Empowerment and Black Girl Magic. She’s always talking about events and she started and lead an African American group at school where you talked about our history and stuff.”
-Essence, Bakery Assistant
Madam C. J. Walker
“I always wanted to be a hairdresser, so I’m inspired by Madam C. J. Walker – an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and activist, who invented a line of hair products for African American women and became the first American woman to be a self-made millionaire. It was inspiring to see a Black woman that was successful and inventive. I definitely channel her and her energy.”
-SunKeria Brown, Executive Administrator