As Black History Month 2023 comes to an official close today, two of our incredible team members took a moment to reflect upon what being a part of the Black community means to them and how it has shaped them into who they are today.

Jessica Bryant- Senior Account Executive
For me, Black History Month is a time to celebrate and give thanks to my community. Growing up in a Caribbean family, I have been surrounded by powerful voices that have pushed me to be confident in myself, my opinions, my values, and perhaps most importantly, where I come from. My grandmother was the embodiment of courage and strength,  building the foundation for our family after immigrating from Jamaica. Because of her efforts, I’ve learned to make my own path and pave the way for others to follow.

My family has always been small and mighty, but there was never a moment in which I didn’t experience the unconditional support and love that I needed to get to where I am today by following the path to my dream career. With their influence, I’ve always felt empowered to uplift communities and individuals in need, and extend the same support to those around me to help them reach their goals.

Growing up within my family, and especially in my community, I was taught to uplight, support, and show love to the people in need around me, and that’s something I take with me everywhere I go to extend to those around me at work, in my personal life, and as I pursue my other passions.

Black culture in the U.S is something that we’ve built from the ground up encompassing people and experiences from all areas of the world. Every piece of it, from history and food to music and lifestyle are beautiful examples of the sense of togetherness, love and pride that flourishes in the Black community. I am so proud to be a part of it!

Josiah Chambers-Account Coordinator
Black History Month is a significant time of the year- it’s a time that spotlights the greatest black creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and activists and their achievements. Not everyone can be a chart-topping artist, astronaut, or athlete, but everyone should be made to feel that they can achieve those things; if that’s what their heart desires. I think BHM is a very important month because it reminds the black youth of what is achievable, in a world where they’re too often told what they are and aren’t capable of.

I was fortunate enough, at a young age, to be made aware that I could achieve whatever I wanted to. I was always one of the only Black males in many of my classes from kindergarten through the end of college (outside of my senior year of high school), and rather than feeling discouraged it made me realize that I could attain the same things if not more if I focused and worked hard. Resiliency is a core pillar of the Black community’s history and values, and it’s up to society to continue reminding Black youth of their potential every day, not just in February.