Black History Month: A time for celebration and reflection
February marks Black History Month, a dedicated period to shine a spotlight on remarkable accomplishments and pay tribute to influential leaders and pioneers.
Throughout Black History Month and beyond, we are encouraged to delve into and celebrate Black experiences, encompassing our humanity, triumphs, challenges and struggles. It’s a time to uplift voices, hear and understand Black stories and reflect on how moments in history made a difference in our lives today.
In celebration of Black History Month, we asked our teammates to share a historical moment or person who has been influential in their lives:
Tysha Jones
manager of pledge audit and processing
Historical moment: President Barack Obama winning his first presidency
I remember walking to the polls; it was a sunny, warm day. I was so proud and honored to be casting my vote for the historical moment to vote for an African American man running for president.
That moment confirmed to me that we can do anything we set our minds to do, and it also provides inspiration to other African American children: By seeing an African American president, they too one day can do the same.
Gary Thompson
project specialist
Historical moment: Loving v. Virginia (1967)
The Lovings bringing their case to the Supreme Court not only constitutionalized interracial marriage for Black and white couples, but for all couples in the United States, eventually influencing the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges for same-sex couples as well.
What a lot of people don't realize is that a vast majority of interracial couples in the Asian community during that time were Filipino and white, and the anti-miscegenation laws before the Loving case criminalized ALL interracial marriages.
My parents would never have had me, and I wouldn't be able to marry my beautiful fiancée without the Lovings' courage in taking this case to the Supreme Court – which was not too long ago, I might add (57 years ago).
Sterling Davis
manager of business development
Inspirational person: W.E.B Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois was a sociologist, historian and civil rights activist who co-founded the NAACP to fight against Jim Crow laws and segregation.
He authored "The Souls of Black Folk," one of the most influential books on race relations. Du Bois' dedication to fighting for racial equality continues to inspire generations.
W.E.B. Du Bois was a man of remarkable conviction, dedicated to promoting justice and equality for Black people. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, he never gave up on his mission to fight for the rights of Black people. His intelligence, passion and bravery have inspired countless individuals to continue his work and positively impact their communities. Du Bois serves as a reminder that change is possible, and it starts with individuals taking action and acknowledging the need for change.
Sheila Bradley
manager of corporate volunteerism
Inspirational person: Oprah Winfrey
She never gave up in efforts to get to where she wanted to be. I think everything she says and does is always with grace and respect to all. Despite living in poverty throughout her childhood and being beaten and molested by family members, she bravely pushed herself to overcome the damage that was done to do well for herself and impressively helping others.
Margaret Matray
manager of communications
Inspirational person: Thurgood Marshall
Mr. Civil Rights. Thurgood Marshall's work, first as a civil rights lawyer and later as the first African American justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, was nothing short of extraordinary. Marshall led the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, and it was because of his work leading up to and including the Brown v. Board of Education case that segregation in public schools was declared unconstitutional.
Jarred Patterson
senior creative manager of digital and print
Inspirational person: Rod Reid, owner of RLR (experiential design firm)
Rod Reid has successfully carved out a creative space in Indianapolis where Black Americans are not often found. Since the early '90s, he has not only been a professional creative but also the visionary founder of the experiential design firm RLR. In a landscape where diversity was scarce, Rod fearlessly pushed boundaries, bringing his style of innovation to a time and city not accustomed to it.
More recently, he has expanded his creative endeavors into the realm of open-wheel racing, becoming the co-owner of the NextGeneracers racing team. Rod's story is not just one of professional success but a narrative of resilience, creativity and the audacity to dream beyond the limitations of time and place.
Ashley Scruggs
vice president of talent and culture
Historical Moment: Learning about George Washington Carver and his brilliance to take such a small thing – the peanut – and make over 300 uses out of it.
The peanut may seem simple and common, yet, spending time with it, George Washington Carver discovered many uses out of one simple thing. No one person or no one thing is useless; we can find many purposes in many things. As George Washington Carver once said, “When you can do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” And he did just that.
Kevin Wagner
manager of impact operations
Historical moment: The Red Summer of 1919
My ignorance to it is what moved me the most. It was my first exposure to the whitewashing of our history. It had me diving deeper into not only African American history but also Native and Indigenous cultures. It has influenced me to give my girls the "full story" at home when they tell me about their lessons, and teach them to, above all, think critically about the information they are receiving.
Inspirational person: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What can you say about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that has not been repeated by countless others? He had the "mind of a serpent and heart of a dove." My petty modern problems pale in comparison to his courage in the face of domestic terrorism and doubt. He had faith that could move mountains and words that stirred the hearts of unwilling politicians and business owners. His love for his family and desire to be a good father shined through in his actions and written works. To me, his integrity, character and sense of purpose are worth emulating. I may never speak to a crowd in the shadow of the Washington Monument on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, but I can be the kind of father MLK was. I can be the kind of man MLK was. I can be the kind of leader MLK was. And it is toward that end I strive.
Dejah Cyrus
manager of organizational development
Historical moment: Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” film (Coachella performance)
I have always loved Beyoncé. She exudes an opulent energy that makes every little Black girl marvel at her appearance. This film is the epitome of resilience, creativity and the beauty that is the Black culture.
Lisa Talley
brand and impact executive assistant
Historical moment: The day Mr. Barack Obama became President Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States
On Nov. 4, 2008, I watched the election while living in Florida. The intensity of waiting on final votes come in and Barack elected over Sen. John McCain was the greatest feeling. All I could think of was: I wish my grandfather was here to witness this with his own eyes, after living in slavery as a boy. The 44th president is an African American, and his name is Barack Obama. He has accomplished something that many people believed would never be done. Barack and Michelle motivated me to realize that regardless of what others may think of your dreams, don’t allow it to affect your vision that you have for yourself. Barack's vision was: "Change We Can Believe In.” I believe in working hard to make your vision a reality.
Michael Etter
community research and database analytics director
Inspirational person: Bill Russell
Bill Russell was a tremendous athlete and basketball player. His legend goes way beyond the court. He was a major civil rights activist during his career working alongside the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali. Even while winning championships as a player and coach for the Boston Celtics, Russell encountered insults and acts of racism from hometown fans. Using his platform to promote social justice and dignity for all, Russell set the foundation and path for future generations of players to use their voice in advocating for equality beyond the game of basketball.