Black History Month: YPs and staff share their perspectives

Black History Month celebrates the many contributions African Americans have made to this country and is a time to reflect on their central role in history and American culture. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History established this year’s theme, “The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity.”

To commemorate these crucial contributions to our and past and our future, Leaguer staff gathered information from Young Professionals and Cornerstone employees about the importance of Black History Month, how it’s celebrated, and how the credit union industry can help advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“It’s a time to reflect on the African-American heritage and culture to shed light on the contributions that have been made to this country,” said Timberly Malone, vice president of lending with KBR Heritage Federal Credit Union and Cornerstone Young Professionals Advisor.

Malone continues, “I strive every day to build a legacy that my family, friends, co-workers, and fellow African Americans can be proud of.”

Angel Landfair, controller at Resource One CU and Cornerstone Young Professionals Advisor, says that Black History Month means a lot to her and not enough at the same time.

“Although I love February as it provides a spotlight on the history of my ancestors, Black history is so much more and should be reflected upon all year,” Landfair said. “To me, it is more than learning about MLK and Malcolm X. It’s about Black men and women, such as myself, making history every day.”

Lemarcus Perry, integrated marketing manager at Cornerstone League, explains that Black history is more than a month; it's what he strives to create daily.

“Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the many accomplishments of Black men and women that often go unnoticed,” Perry said. “I am happy that something near and dear to my heart is highlighted where everyone else gets to learn more.”

Perry adds that Black history should matter to everyone. “I’m glad we celebrate and recognize Black history because to truly understand the history of the United States, we all need to better understand Black history.”

Sylvia Lawson, marketing & communications VP at Cornerstone League, talks about how Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans, culture, and diversity. “It’s not only about recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X but also going back to honor early activists Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, inventors, artists, etc.”

Lawson stresses how Black history is especially important to her. “I want my boys to be aware of cultural history and keeping it going, sharing it with their kids from generation to generation the contributions African Americans make to the world.”

How are you celebrating this connection to the past and giving visibility to creating change?

Malone reads and shares historical stories with her son. “We are discussing the likes of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and Barbara Jordan,” Malone said. “I want him to understand the barriers they faced but also be cognitive of the progress that has been made.”

Landfair described her celebration efforts, “I celebrate by brushing up on my history daily, rocking my dreadlocks, and wearing T-shirts dedicated to my blackness.”

To honor African-American contributions, Perry is reading “A Promised Land” by former President Barack Obama.

He adds, “This year, I’m participating in a 28-day Black history challenge. Some of these challenges include supporting a Black-owned business and researching lesser-known activists such as Medgar Evers and Fred Hampton, who is featured in the new movie ‘Judas and the Black Messiah.’”

Perry also shares information on Black-led organizations that support voter registration and education, like Fair Fight Action and Rock the Vote.

He explains, "These organizations help register voters, educating them about their legal rights and helping them reach their polling location safely or arrange for a mail-in ballot."

With her extensive marketing background, it’s no surprise that Lawson likes to promote movies and prominent African-American leaders on social media. She recently rewatched the movie “Red Tails” with her sons. The film is about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American United States Army Air Forces servicemen during World War II. Lawson’s granduncle Col. Kenneth O. Wofford served as a Tuskegee Airman and spent 32 years in the U.S. Air Force.

What’s more, Lawson likes to get involved with social reform and helps promote candidates in the judicial system. “I get more connected with candidates—even those not in my district—and help get the word out.”

How can the credit union industry advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts?

“The credit union industry can advance diversity by being proactive and present in the community,” Malone said. “Also, having a diverse staff in the credit union is a great way to promote equality and inclusion.”

Landfair adds, “The credit union industry can advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts by making the efforts continuous and having a conscious mind to always be fair and inclusive to all ethnicities and races. When you think about it, it shouldn’t be that hard, but I get that it is. I am thankful for the strides that have been made and continue to make.”