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I am Black History:
Family, Community, and Myself
I am Black History:
About Family, Community, and Myself
I am black history
What does Black History Month mean? Maybe the better question is—what doesn’t it mean?
For me, it’s not just a month. I am black history. I walk it, I breathe it, I live it every single day. The people who came before me are black history; those who walk alongside me – my parents and sisters – are black history; my nephew and those who come after me are black history.
But I didn’t always understand that. I grew up in a mostly white neighborhood in a mostly white school district, so I didn’t learn much about Black History Month in school. What I have learned is that Black History Month isn’t just the big things – it’s in the everyday moments, the people, and the connections that shape us.
For my family
Family means everything to me; I would do anything for my family. I am the youngest of three with two older sisters. We are all so close in age that we used to match our clothes. We were called ‘the 3 Bs’ since our names all start with B. Together, we eat, we travel, we watch TV. They’re my best friends. I also have a nephew who means everything and am close to both of my parents. My three dogs are like my children. I’m a huge animal lover.
Growing up, my family was one of very few black families in the neighborhood. I was bullied in school and struggled for a variety of reasons – it was tough. My parents wanted their daughters to have a loving family with less struggles than they experienced, so for me to struggle despite their hard work felt worse. This experience is part of the reason my family is so close. They’re my closest community – my parents, my sisters, my nephew, and my dogs. I hope I make them proud every single day.
In the community
This Black History Month, I find myself thinking about what it means to belong. Community comes in many forms— I am part of the dog-lovers community, I am part of the black community, I am part of the DARTS community.
I can talk to anybody, anywhere, anytime. I love hearing people’s stories—whether they look like me or not. It’s my favorite part of my job at DARTS. Every day, I meet people seeking connection, support, or a listening ear, and I get to be part of that. Human connection drives everything I do. I believe in people and that kindness wins.
To myself
When I was younger, I wished there was someone in media, on TV, or in school that looked like me. To see someone that represented me, even just for a second, would have made a huge impact. To see the different shades of skin color, different sizes, and different everything that make up the community would have helped me know I was enough. Representation has improved since I was little. It’s not where it could be, but it’s much better. I see myself represented more places – there are dolls and Barbies that look like me, there are books and people on TV that look like me. I know it means so much to little black girls now to see and feel themselves represented.
Black History month means everything to me because It IS me. I’m still learning – I don’t have all the answers. If I could say anything to my younger self, it would be I love you and your voice matters. Of all the lessons I’ve learned, the most important is that I am enough—exactly as I am.
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