As we make our way through the month of February at a lightning speed, I wanted to take a moment to focus on a poignant and powerful concept: building a better future from lessons of the past. This month has been dedicated as Black History Month, and there are many opportunities out there for us all to learn what that means, how it came to be, what important contributions have been made, and by whom these contributions have been made. I encourage us all to learn and grow through these opportunities, but more importantly, I encourage us all to remember and actively focus on the experiences that have shaped Black/African American history in America.

An important conversation has taken vivid shape this past year across our nation regarding race and the institutions and systems that actively discriminate and oppress. It is important that this conversation continues, and that it transforms into action, and further transforms into change. The only way for this to happen is through truly understanding the experience of Black Americans/African Americans.

As we take the opportunity to learn about Black history/African American history this month, and the history of other racial/ethnic/diverse groups in our organization, community, country, and world the rest of this year, let’s keep in mind that a deep, rich, vibrant experience is to be seen through so many more individuals and stories then what is typically shared. Things can be viewed through the lens of the local experience, state experience, national experience, and global experience. From the small farmer, the cook, the parent, the student, the teacher, the passenger on the bus, the activist, the politician, the great orator. From the normal, everyday life lived to the extraordinary moments that have caught everyone’s attention, it all matters, and it all has an important contribution to our future.

Please take a few minutes personally this month, and/or dedicate a few minutes during your team time to learn and understand the experiences of the past and present that will shape the change of our future. There are many links to great educational videos shared on this new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page of the Hilltoppers Portal.