Dr. Serge Ouedraogo Black History Month Spotlight
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, Smart Global Holdings would like to elevate another voice from our community who embodies Black history, culture, and excellence. Dr. Serge Ouedraogo is a Senior Engineer in Data & AI Practices within the Strategic Solution Group at Penguin Solutions. In his role, he contributes to benchmarking storage technology and interacts with clients to advise solutions to address their storage needs. Hear from Serge about the importance of recognizing Black History Month and the robust accomplishments of Black individuals in the history of our country.
Why is it important to celebrate black history month?
This month, we celebrate the achievements, determinations, and leadership of people of African descent here in the United States. It is terrific to see social media erupt with images and videos highlighting influential black people that have made a difference in our lives. It is also encouraging to see how much knowledge and information is shared to facilitate all people to start researching and discovering things they never knew about black history.
Having said this, it is important to note that black history is not relevant only during February. Instead, it should be integrated into our history textbook as a part of our shared human history. Until that becomes the norm, we must use special occasions like Black History Month to highlight the history and what we can implement now to foster a positive change for the future.?
How does SGH practice diversity and inclusion?
SGH has launched the Diversity and Equity Initiative to foster a workplace culture where we listen and learn from each other. As part of this initiative, SGH developed a strategy to promote a culture of belonging by requiring employees to take training classes on issues such as unconscious biases and microaggression.?
What resources would you recommend to someone looking to learn more about Black history?
To learn about Black History, I would recommend:
领英推荐
In celebrating Black history and culture, who or what is your biggest inspiration?
The life of the late congressman John Lewis to me is very inspiring. As one of the original Freedom Riders activists, he challenged segregated Southern laws in the early 1960s and coordinated a nonviolent student movement to protest against segregated public space, among others. He was best known for the Bloody Sunday march in 1965, where he put his life on the line to demand the right to vote for African Americans. John Lewis' life is inspiring because it is a textbook definition of determination, sacrifice, and leadership.
Why do you think the theme for Black History Month 2023, “Black Resistance” is relevant for today’s climate?
“Black Resistance” highlights how African Americans have resisted historical and ongoing oppression, especially lynching, recent racial mass shootings, and well-publicized police killings. By resisting, African Americans continue to mobilize resources and shape social movements to create a space for Black Americans to thrive.
What is a moment in Black history that you wish more people knew about?
You will be forgiven if you have never heard about the story of Henrietta Lacks. Until 1975 her own family was unaware of her contribution to the field of medicine. Her cells have contributed to medical research, from understanding the long-term effects of radiation to testing the live polio vaccine. Her life story is captivating, but yet another example where a tremendous contribution to humanity is often forgotten and recognition denied.