Black History Month Employee Spotlight: Meet Michael Hill

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans.?

At USA Truck, we are honored to observe the month, while remembering that this celebration and acknowledgment must go beyond just the month of February.

To honor Black History Month and the continuing story of Black history and Black excellence, USA Truck would like to spotlight members of our team.

Today’s Black History Month Employee Spotlight is on Manager of Digital and Social Media,?Michael Hill. Michael has graciously answered a few questions about his career, life, and thoughts on BHM for us—here’s a little bit more about Michael in his own words:

Q: Position with USA Truck?

A: I am the Manager of Digital and Social Media.

I have been with USA Truck for a little over a year, and it’s been a great ride so far. I’ve had the opportunity to work on tons of projects and meet lots of new people, but my most memorable moment is representing USA Truck and starring in the Joe Stamm Band music video for ‘Pocketful of Quarters’.

Q: What is your hometown?

A: Detroit, Michigan

Q: What are some fun facts about you?

A: A few fun facts about me are:

• I am an avid bowler. I started bowling when I was 2 years old and I have bowled 2 perfect games (300).

• I’ve been on the cover of a magazine.

• I worked as a Basketball Communications Intern for the Cleveland Cavaliers during LeBron James’ 3rd season in the NBA...and I was able to do a lot of fun things, including this photo for a newspaper ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

• I worked in college athletics for 15+ years, including stops at Ohio University, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), Xavier University, University of Arkansas and UT Arlington, before joining USA Truck.

Q: What is your proudest professional achievement?

A: Being one of the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Athletic Department. I was a part of the small group that helped the school revive the college's athletics program in 2015 (it was discontinued in 1997). I also had the opportunity to design the basketball court for our arena on two different occasions.

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Q: What three words describe you?

A: Confident, Dependable, Driven

Q: Who inspires you?

A: My mother, my wife and my daughter.

My mother, because she is by far the strongest person I know. She is the epitome of strength, perseverance, and hope. She’s a two-time breast cancer survivor, and while going through her tough battle with the disease, her faith never wavered no matter what the doctors said and she beat it with such grace.

My wife, because she pushes me to be a better man/husband/father, to push myself, to take chances, to do things out of my comfort zone, and to simply do things that make me happy. On those rough days when confidence is low, she's there alongside me, telling me "you've got this".

My daughter, because I strive to be the best version of myself for her. In just 3 years on this earth, she has had a huge impact on my life. She loves unconditionally, she is always willing to forgive, she is resilient and she is fearless. She's just an awesome kid and I'm blessed to be her Daddy and a #GirlDad.

Q: What experiences have helped you most in your career?

A: Failing or falling short of the expectations I set for myself. Obviously, when things like that happen I am very disappointed, but that motivates me to pick myself up and work harder to accomplish my goal or meet those expectations the next time.

“There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” Malcolm X

Q: How important is diversity in the workplace?

A: Diversity in the workplace is important because it helps bring different ideas and perspectives.

A diverse workplace recognizes the individual strengths of each employee and the potential they bring. Valuing the differences of others is what ultimately brings us all together and can be the blueprint to a successful, productive workplace and a fair work culture.

Q: What does Black History Month mean to you?

A: Black History is American history. Black History Month gives us a time to recognize and celebrate triumphs of those who fought hard to achieve the freedoms that they were not so fortunate to enjoy themselves. It’s a time to appreciate how far we have come, but still emphasize all the work that STILL needs to be done to truly embody the words of the founding fathers in 1776: “all men are created equal”.

BHM also gives us a chance to learn. We recognize the bigger leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X, but there are also so many names that we don’t hear about as much or ever.

Q: If you could have a conversation with a civil rights activist, who would it be and why?

A: I would love to sit and have a conversation with Malcolm X. I’d talk to him about his rough childhood years, his regrets (if any), his honest opinion on MLK, and his thoughts on the world we live in today.

?Q: How do you see yourself as a role model in the Black community?

A: Seeing is believing, so for many people it is hard to be what they can' t see. I strive to be that example for the people in my community that may look up to me.

My hope is that people see where I’ve come from, they see the journey I’ve taken to get where I am now, and they believe they can do whatever they put their mind to.

I want to lead by example and be an inspiration. I want them to know that anything is possible, that everyone’s path to success is different and unique, and that their circumstances don't determine where they can go; they just determine where they start.