“Black History Month is like celebrating a birthday each year. It doesn’t diminish other people’s births or experiences, but it allows us to acknowledge and celebrate African-American’s contributions to humanity and American History. In Black History month, I reflect on many giants whose shoulders I stand, including my grandmother Savannah who challenged me to look past my circumstances and strive. I can recognize what my ancestors endured to ensure that I have the opportunities to be successful and the responsibility to support and blaze a path for others to thrive. I am Black History.”

“For me, Black History Month serves as a reminder to reflect on and celebrate the significant contributions that Black people have made to our country and around the world. I like to remember, however, that Black history is being created every single day and those contributions are not only limited to the famous names we are used to hearing touted during the month of February. Rather, Black people (both those known and unknown) continue to regularly make important contributions that deserve celebration every day.”

“I grew up in a small county in Texas called Brazoria (Angleton). Though I love my small town, as I grew up I noticed that my town resisted or delayed change that was inclusive and welcoming to others. I am blessed to have not only recognized this but not allowed it to define me as an individual or stop me from growing. To me, my endeavors and success can only credit to the resilience to change from those in my small town.”

“I remember when I turned 18, my grandfather made a comment I was old enough to vote. I expressed that I was not interested in voting because I felt it didn’t make a difference. My grandfather stopped turned to me and said “You know how many times your relatives were called out of their name, abused, oppressed, and even died for, just to give you a fighting chance to be considered equal and be treated like a human”. From that point, by voting, not only was I voicing my opinion and doing my civil duty, I was carrying on the legacy and change my relatives fought for.”

“My life experiences have taught me that God’s grace is sufficient, family is important, diligence and integrity are essential for achieving great outcomes. I have learned to see the silver lining in every situation, the future is bright.”

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?

“The creation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has provided a platform and path for black excellence in America. Attending Howard University had a major impact on my life. When I reflect on the history of black education, the story of Ruby Bridges comes to mind. Her bravery and perseverance continue to inspire me to seek the highest level of competency in my field.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“Black history month is celebrating the cumulative success of black people. It reflects the sacrifices made and the uniqueness of black people to the world. It presents an opportunity to educate and share our rich and diverse culture. It celebrates everyday people who strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.”

How do you see your life experiences shape you and your outlook on the future?

“I understand the importance of Perseverance and how essential it is in becoming successful in life. I always try to remember that a dream deferred is never a dream denied.”

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?

“The creation of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has provided a platform and path for black excellence in America. Attending Howard University had a major impact on my life. When I reflect on the history of black education, the story of Ruby Bridges comes to mind. Her bravery and perseverance continue to inspire me to seek the highest level of competency in my field.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“It means we as a nation, we have a journey ahead of us to get to where we want and need to be. Black history is American history that needs to be taught year-round. I was once told, “Don’t Confuse Movement with Progress.”

How do you see your life experiences shape you and your outlook on the future?

“My life experiences are a key part of what made me the man I am today. Being raised by a single mother, I saw how hard she worked for her family. Breaking her back just to make sure we were taken care of. She was so strong but also so gentle and loving. This helped me see that life will bring challenges but how you face those obstacles is what matters. The kind, hardworking, God-honoring man that I am today is because of the people the Lord has graciously put in my life to show me how to live. And through these experiences, I have a framework that helps me care for others as I try to serve God with all that I do.”

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?

“For me, it was seeing my first black teacher in middle school. Mr. Willard was my English teacher and he pushed us to become not only better students but people. His presence allowed me to see someone who looked like me thrive and educate others on a level I had never witnessed before. To me, it was a stepping stone to see that a little black boy like myself could succeed in life because I had experienced it through him. I’m not sure he ever understood the impact he had on me. I had a hard time telling people how I felt about things because of the absence of my father. But Mr. Willard helped me in ways that only a loving father could. I’m grateful that the Lord put him in my life.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“It means the acknowledgment and celebration of black culture. So often in the past, we were told we had nothing to be proud about. Now we get to look at the past, present, and future and see the beautiful people God made us be.”

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?

“One of the most important moments in my life is when I was asked to be the Junior League of Beaumont President. I was the first African American to hold this honor. My mother, sister, and daughter were present with me when it was announced at our meeting in December. My mother was so proud. She told me of a story when she wanted to shop at a second-hand store in another city, owned by the Junior League. She saw a yellow dress in the window and wanted to know how much it was. A lady greeted her at the door but informed her she could not stop there because she was black. She said I couldn’t shop at the Junior League store, but now my daughter is President of the Junior League!”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“To me, it is so important to know your history and background. There are so many stereotypes and preconceived notions about African Americans. Black Americans have many significant contributions to our country, and those contributions must be known and shared with others. We have come a long way, but have a long way to go.”

“Black History month shows that we are linked together and share the same problems and the same concerns that are still relevant even today. It’s a time where we can come together in unity to find a resolve and represent those that have paved the way and started this journey many years ago. Ultimately, it celebrates our push to want to do better and be better human beings.

At a young age, I remember seeing my mother wake up at 4:00 a.m. every day to go to work and then come home after a 14-hour workday to cook dinner and do homework with my siblings and me. She taught me a lot about life struggles, happiness, hardships, respect, strength, despite your circumstances.

I credit who I am today to my sweet mother. No matter how successful I become, my mother’s values, beliefs, and discipline has defined the Danielle you see today. My thirst for compassion and empathy is my daily motivation, and as long as I am here to show this to others, I have hope that they can pass it along to someone in return.”

“Black History to me is a time to celebrate a very diverse culture and to educate on the many achievements that black people have contributed to make this a great country; the triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our history. It also gives insight to forge a strong bond with the past and to use that awareness to make a better future.”

Fr. Felix Okey Alaribe, Vice President Mission Integration, shares a few thoughts on the importance of this celebration in his life.

” My life experiences are a daily reminder that we can only make the world a better place through our connectedness to others in the human family.”

“Black History month is a time for our nation and the world to honor, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of the many people of African ancestry and descent. It is a time to pay tribute to the great minds that helped build, develop, innovate, and cultivate the world we have come to appreciate and love. In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Heart Health; however, there are broken hearts both, young and old, who do not just celebrate African Heritage during this month but mourn the dreadful depth of the Black historical narrative and who are fervently serving to prevent the dehumanizing sequel.

One of the historical moments in Black History that influenced my decision to pursue a career in medicine is The Tuskegee Experiment or the U.S. Public Health Service’s Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The scientists and clinicians involved withheld curative medical treatment resulting in distrust in the healthcare system in the African American community. Unlike the providers in the Tuskegee Experiment, I believe serving in the ministry of medicine is an honor and privilege that encompasses delivering competent, comprehensive, and compassionate care to all patients who entrust me with their health.

My family always encourages me to pursue my dreams, set high goals, and excel. Their encouragement provides the positive energy and catalyst to overcome naysayers and attempts to derail, discourage or dismantle my accomplishments. My family provides support and unconditional love that continues to help me create my history and legacy of resilience and fortitude that will encourage my children and future generations to also strive for excellence using their gifts to positively to shape the world. “

“It is taking moments to reflect and learn from the experiences and lives of my ancestors. Each day is an opportunity to do so, especially during in February, as part of Black History Month. I make more of a concerted effort to share with friends and family things I am learning about our rich culture and history.”

“Black History Month, for me, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made towards science, education, culture, and society. It is also a time to appreciate how these contributions help to positively impact our present and future. “

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.” -Denis Waitley

“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“During my life, I am excited to have witnessed two very significant events that had an impact not just on me but on every Black US citizen, both young and old. The first was on November 4, 2008, when Barack Obama was elected as the 44th President of the United States. Never in my lifetime did I believe that a person of color would be elected as the POTUS.

The second event occurred on November 7, 2020, when Kamala Harris became the Vice President of the United States. This moment in history is more impactful to me because the glass ceiling was shattered for all women. In August 1920, women received the right to vote. — 100 years later, a woman sits in the Vice president’s chair. These moments indicate that we are making progress towards equality for POC and women.”

Black History Month is a solemn time where the advancements to man-kind from African Americans or Pan Africans are celebrated. Black History spans the globe and transcends the limitations or barriers often shown in the media, and promotes the opportunity to celebrate, recognize, honor the past and imagine what greatness can be shared in the future.

How do you see your life experiences shape you and your outlook on the future?

“I was fortunate to have grown up in the south during the Civil Rights era. I’m fortunate that I have seen how bad things can be, I can appreciate how far we’ve come, how far we have to go, and what we are at risk of losing if we fail to recognize our responsibility to each other. It is too easy to believe that where we are as a society is where we should be, rather than realizing that we have an obligation to each other to continue to grow in love and see each other as Jesus sees us. Freedom and equality require continuous protection against the baser instincts of our nature.”

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?

“My father “restarted” the NAACP with others in an area of Louisiana. Twenty years earlier, those in the NAACP had all been run out of the parish in the dead of night at gunpoint. We endured threats, bricks thrown at our house, and drive-by events. We marched in the streets to integrate schools as children. We sorrowed over the 16th street Baptist Church bombing and other less deadly bombings in Louisiana. Then I watched the events in Selma on TV. My mother was from Selma, and I spent nearly every summer there. I had ridden across the Pettis bridge many times. That event galvanized me to always stand up for what I believe in.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“It is an opportunity to encourage everyone in society to recognize the contributions of Black people to the world and the US. Presently, history taught in schools minimizes the accomplishments made by people of color and indigenous peoples. This just helps to add to the understanding that all of us have a place in OUR history”

“Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the accomplishments of African Americans from our past while inspiring future generations to be great.”

“A moment in Black History that influenced my career and life was when Debra Warner, the Director of Laboratory, unexpectedly promoted me to Phlebotomy Supervisor and relocated me to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa- Medical Center Laboratory. The amount of responsibility was enormous. I didn’t know it at the time, but I stood on the shoulders of Alpha- Heroes– my mother, Sherrie Benson ( CNO), my Loving Sister- Vivian Meade (Account Specialist), Gloria Johnson ( CHRISTUS Santa Rosa- Medical Center Histology Technician), Shuet-Mei Miera (QA Coordinator), and Madam Angie Lambert ( CHRISTUS Santa Rosa- Medical Center CNO). These fearless Women from different types of backgrounds paved a path for me. On many occasions, I wanted to quit. I weighed heavily on their advice and continued. Women of all types of backgrounds shaped my career and life as a black woman, mother, wife, leader, and servant of God. In the words of a phenomenal poet, Maya Angelou, “Because of them I can!”