Honoring Black History, Celebrating Black Heritage

February is Black History Month – a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting impact of Black individuals throughout history. It’s also a reminder that Black heritage extends beyond a single month. Celebrating Black Heritage Month encourages us to uplift Black voices year-round, reflect on pivotal moments that shaped our nation, and recognize the culture and legacy that continues to inspire us today. 

In honor of this month, United Way of Central Indiana asked teammates to share a moment in history that has influenced their life. 

Jeffrey Wilson  

operations associate  

Historical moment: “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint” speech by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

“Watching the video of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. giving that speech encouraged me to move on through rough and not-so-good times” Wilson said. “I continue to strive to be the best I can at my job regardless of what’s going on around me and my capacity. That speech reminds me to continue to treat people with dignity and respect.”   

Tysha Jones  

finance senior manager 

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.  

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.  

Kevin Wagner  

manager of impact operations  

Historical moment: The Red Summer of 1919  

My ignorance of 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.  

Ebony Burson  

talent management senior manager  

Historical moment: The sit-ins  

“Another way students contributed to the Civil Rights Movement was by conducting sit-ins across America. The sit-ins started in Greensboro, North Carolina, where a group of students sat down at a Whites-only lunch counter and calmly refused to leave after being denied service,” Burson said. “This moved me because it showed the strength of our youth and why their voices matter. Often the youth are dismissed or their opinions minimized. It made me want to be vocal and stand up for myself in certain situations when I was in my late teens and early 20s. Their bravery was truly inspiring to me then as well as now.”