February is Black History Month—A Time to Reflect, Educate, and Act
Black History Month is a time to honor the rich legacy, achievements, and struggles of Black people who have shaped history, while also recognizing the work that remains in the pursuit of equity.
Black history is also a story of resilience, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of justice. This month, let’s go beyond celebration and dive into the lessons that history offers us about courage in the face of adversity.
One powerful example is Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977), a fearless civil rights activist who risked everything to fight for Black voting rights. In 1962, after attempting to register to vote, she was fired from her job, evicted from her home, and brutally beaten in jail—simply for exercising her constitutional rights. But rather than be silenced, she became an unstoppable force for justice, co-founding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and exposing the nation to the harsh realities of voter suppression.
Hamer’s words still echo today: "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired."
Her courage reminds us that resilience in the face of systemic oppression can drive real change. It’s a call to action for each of us—to stand up, speak out, and push for justice in our workplaces, communities, and beyond.
What does resilience mean to you? Who inspires you to keep pushing forward?