Reflecting, Learning, and Celebrating: How My Heritage Shapes My Commitment to Black History Month

Estimated reading time: ~9 minutes

Introduction

Each February, Black History Month serves as a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of Black individuals to our shared culture. For many, it’s a period of reflection, learning, and upliftment—a moment to listen intently and recognize the resilience and creativity the Black community contributes to our collective narrative.

As I reflect on this, I also recognize my own heritage, which predominantly includes Greek, Portuguese, and Italian roots, with some Anglo-Saxon influences. While I take pride in these backgrounds, I also understand that in many situations, I am perceived and treated as a white person. This reality grants me social privileges that Black individuals and other people of color may not universally share.

My intention is to highlight how I’m honoring Black History Month in a way that genuinely supports and celebrates the Black community—both in my personal life and in my professional endeavors. Although discussions about race can sometimes feel sensitive, I aim to communicate authentically. I hope these insights reassure my Black colleagues, clients, and friends that they are acknowledged, valued, and celebrated for all they contribute to the community table.

Embracing My Mediterranean Roots

Understanding my own background has been a journey of reconnecting with who I am:

Greek Heritage: A culture known for its emphasis on community, hospitality, and intellectual curiosity.

Portuguese Roots: A people with a storied maritime legacy and a history of resilience, exploration, and adaptation.

Italian Influence: A tradition steeped in family bonds, culinary arts, and timeless creativity.

As I delve into my lineage, I’m reminded of how collective histories shape our present identities. Yet I’m also keenly aware that my Mediterranean and European heritage grants me the privilege of stepping into mainstream spaces without facing the systemic obstacles that many Black people encounter. Holding that truth encourages me to become a better ally: learning to listen, staying open to correction, and continually broadening my worldview.

Why Black History Month Matters Deeply

Black History Month is, at its core, a celebration of the vast and inspiring contributions of Black Americans—and, by extension, the global African diaspora. These contributions are woven into so many aspects of life that enrich all of us:

Art and Music: Black artistry has set the foundation for countless musical genres—jazz, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop—and continues to shape global pop culture.

Social and Political Progress: The leadership and advocacy of Civil Rights figures have transformed national conversations around equity, justice, and freedom.

Innovation: From medical advancements to technological breakthroughs, Black innovators bring forward ideas that elevate society as a whole.

Beyond politics or debate, Black History Month is a chance for all of us to honor excellence, acknowledge struggles, and commit ourselves to fostering environments where Black people can thrive.

Checking My Privilege

My journey in embracing allyship includes recognizing privileges I’ve long taken for granted:

Listening to Black Voices

I’m intentional about reading books, following thought leaders, and attending events that showcase Black perspectives. With every new insight, I grow in my understanding of experiences that differ from my own.

Acknowledging Systemic Realities

Even as a person with Mediterranean and European ancestry, I benefit from broader social systems that often favor whiteness. Understanding this isn’t about guilt; it’s about awareness—and using that awareness to be more supportive and proactive in challenging inequalities.

Seeking Continuous Education

I’ve come to see that real growth means consistently expanding my understanding. Whether it’s through books like Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates) or The Warmth of Other Suns (Isabel Wilkerson), I’m committed to deepening my knowledge of Black history and lived experiences.

Staying Humble and Open

Part of allyship is knowing I won’t always get things right. When I stumble, I will own my mistakes, learn from them, and do better.

By focusing on these steps, I hope to move beyond performative acts and show my Black colleagues and friends that I am here to support them in ways that matter.

Centering Black Experiences Without Political Polarization

While broader conversations about systemic racism can be polarizing, I believe there’s a unifying message we can all embrace: honoring Black culture and history is fundamentally about valuing human dignity and acknowledging contributions that shape us all. Recognizing Black excellence shouldn’t be contentious; rather, it should be a shared point of pride and solidarity.

Seeing and Valuing Black Identity

To my Black colleagues, friends, and clients: I want you to know how genuinely grateful I am for your perspectives, contributions, and presence in my life and work. You bring a richness of insight and creativity that continually pushes us forward. Your culture, your stories, and your identities matter profoundly. I want to affirm my respect for your unique experiences—and acknowledge that our society has not always given you your due credit or space.

I see you, and I want to do my part to ensure you feel that recognition every day—not only during Black History Month. My hope is that our environment, both at work and in our shared communities, is a place where your voices are heard, your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.

Practical Ways to Foster Meaningful Support

Here are a few suggestions for anyone looking to honor Black History Month—and beyond—in impactful ways:

Diversify Your Consumption

Expand your reading list, podcasts, and social media follows to include more Black creators and thought leaders.

Volunteer and Donate

Identify local or national organizations—whether they focus on education, healthcare, or legal aid—whose work directly benefits Black communities.

Share the Stage

If you have a platform or leadership role, invite Black voices to share experiences and expertise. Authentically elevating others can shift an entire workplace culture.

Host or Attend Community Events

Attending cultural festivals, local history exhibits, and panel discussions can foster deeper community connections.

Sustain the Conversation

Make allyship and inclusion ongoing priorities. Discuss these issues with colleagues, friends, and family—doing so helps normalize open dialogue.

Balancing Personal Heritage and Allyship

Honoring my own cultural roots has led me to better appreciate the significance of identity—how it shapes our worldview and sense of belonging. At the same time, I recognize that I hold a responsibility to leverage any unearned advantages I have to champion equity. Supporting Black communities doesn’t diminish my own heritage; it enhances my understanding of how cultures intersect and inform one another.

Black History Month is a reminder of both historical injustice and boundless creativity. It invites us to celebrate art, achievement, and cultural influence—and, in many ways, that celebration connects directly with how I cherish the legacies in my Mediterranean lineage. Diversity is a strength, and recognizing the unique contributions of each group fosters unity rather than division.

Moving Forward Together

Black history is American history, and Black culture is essential to our shared identity. My mission is clear but deeply rooted: I want every Black client, colleague, friend, and community member to know that you are respected and valued—not as a fleeting gesture, but as a core principle guiding how I live and lead. Thank you for sharing your creativity and insights and for continually shaping our collective story.

As I delve deeper into my own family heritage, I’m reminded of the profound importance of honoring the identities of others. This Black History Month, I invite everyone—regardless of background—to join me in acts of learning, solidarity, and gratitude. Together, we can nurture a future in which everyone’s heritage is embraced at the table, and all voices are genuinely heard and seen.

But let’s not let this commitment fade once February ends. By making it a year-round endeavor to uplift Black voices, celebrate Black achievements, and learn from Black leaders, we ensure that recognition and appreciation become part of our everyday interactions—whether it’s supporting Black-owned businesses, amplifying the work of Black creatives, or educating ourselves about systemic issues.

In doing so, we not only grow in our own understanding, but we also help build a more inclusive, equitable society—one that honors the countless contributions of Black culture and ensures every heritage is celebrated today and every day.

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Thank you for sharing in this personal reflection. My hope is that this article affirms my commitment to uplifting Black voices and that you feel seen, heard, and genuinely supported—this month and every month to come.