Title: A Mosaic of Cultures: Graduate Students Celebrate Black History Month – Volume 2

More people need to understand the diversity and complexity of the Black experience. Our community is not monolithic; our stories, backgrounds and perspectives vary widely. Appreciating this diversity is key to understanding the collective experience of Black people.

What makes me most proud to be a part of the Black community is the diverse lived experiences, culture and people that exist within it.

We aren’t a monolith. I listen to country music which surprises people sometimes.

The fact that celebrating blackness does not look a certain way. Being part of the Black community allows me to appreciate diversity within blackness that transcends borders.

Our stories are as varied as the shades of our skin, and each narrative contributes to the rich tapestry of our culture. Recognizing that the Black experience is not monolithic but a mosaic of unique histories, perspectives and achievements is essential for fostering true understanding.

As a Haitian-American, I take pride in my rich cultural heritage that stems from celebrating my diverse contributions to Black cultures and the strength from my roots. The Black community has faced discrimination and systemic injustices throughout history. Despite these obstacles, individuals in the Black community, like me, have shown incredible resilience. Black individuals have significantly contributed to the fields of arts, sciences, literature, sports, politics and social justice. The Black community has unity, solidarity and collective action in the pursuit of social justice, equality and the betterment of the community. Seeing an increased representation of Black voices, experiences and successes has fostered empowerment and pride within me. It can inspire future generations, challenge stereotypes and promote positive change.

I am immensely proud to be a part of the Black community, with our unyielding resilience, rich cultural heritage and significant contributions in numerous fields despite enduring various challenges. Our community’s ability to inspire hope and drive change continues to be a source of great pride.

Being a part of the Black community fills me with immense pride because of the resilience, strength and cultural richness that define us. Our community has a history of overcoming adversity and contributing significantly to art, science, politics and every facet of society. The sense of unity, shared heritage, and the continuous pursuit of justice and equality within our community are sources of inspiration that make me immensely proud.

Being from South Africa, there is a popular phrase ‘umuntu ngumtu ngabantu’ which means, I am who I am because of who you are. This reminds me that we ought to have compassion – for we too need compassion.

I feel most proud when I get my hair done or protected in a way that feels most nourishing to my 4c coils. Especially after learning the history behind braids, I now carry them with the utmost grace.

Showing solidarity is best achieved by uplifting and celebrating our culture. We must never let our history be altered to fit a political, social or religious agenda.

Read books, watch documentaries and attend lectures that delve into the experiences and achievements of Black people. Understanding the context and issues the Black community faces is essential to being an informed ally, actively listening to and amplifying the voices of Black individuals, and sharing and promoting their work, perspectives and achievements through social media, conversations or other platforms.

People can show solidarity with the Black community by raising their awareness of matters most important to the community, whether through films or readings. Additionally, they can show solidarity by supporting local organizations that are Black-owned/operated.

Dig deeper. Black History Month highlights the same “heroes,” but it’s not enough to just know Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. There are so many great inventors, great activists, and just great humans in general that make up our rich history. Read for yourself, there is so much to discover! Become a vocal ally to help us fight the current issues, including the black maternal health crisis, racial disparities in healthcare, social and economic injustices, systemic racism and implicit bias. Assess and be aware of your own bias. Call out others and correct them in love whenever necessary.