Honoring the Achievements of the Black Community

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and Labor.” 

Black History Month honors the achievements of the Black community and bears a great significance for me personally. It is a reminder of the struggles of the Black experience in America and how far we have come as a society.

In 2025, Black History Month focuses on the profound ways that Black people have contributed to the labor force in America. They were enslaved and forced into labor, and then they fought for freedom and shaped America into what it is today. Black History Month highlights and celebrates the impact we have made as a culture through activism, public service, military service, government agencies and many other sectors. Understanding the African American and labor, and its impact, is important in understanding Black people and their rich history, culture and lives.

I think African Americans in the workforce have definitely evolved. At one point we could only hold roles that were considered blue-collar, or unskilled laborers, but through the labor movement, and the works of Dr. King and other civil rights activists, we have evolved to getting better pay, better jobs, and can now hold white-collar positions that we once could not hold. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, more than one-fifth of Black workers are now employed in professional specialty or executive, administrative, and managerial occupations. 

I must say, the most empowering moment here at LVHN was going from staff nurse to director. It was not easy, and lots of hard work, but it has been the most empowering.

My cultural heritage has definitely influenced how I approach challenges in that it has made me more culturally competent and aware. I have learned empathy, patience and also how to reflect and remember where I am coming from. I also think that it has helped me to problem solve and be more adaptable to situations. As far as my career, I have felt that I have to be overly prepared and may be less likely to be heard, but I also believe that my heritage gives me greater opportunity for personal and professional growth.

My choice would be Mary McLeod Bethune. I chose her because she was known as one of the invisible “changemakers” of the industry who pioneered the labor movement. Bethune aided in the building of the labor force by opening schools that encouraged self-sufficiency and altruism among women and Black girls. Bethune was also an activist, educator, humanitarian and philanthropist. From the beginning, Black women have been on the forefront of activism in America and played an essential role and will continue to play an integral part. "I longed to do something for my race, especially for the girls and women; to help bring order out of the chaos we see around us,” said Bethune.

One thing that came to mind is the Health Care Futures Program at LVHN. I love to meet the new students and when African American students realize I am a director, it makes such a difference. I think it gives them some confidence and someone they can relate to. The students often ask how I got where I am today, and I like to share my story with them. Anything is possible if you just believe. I am just an island girl with a dream.

Become part of groups (like employee resource or community groups) lo become culturally competent and to deepen our understanding of one another. Acknowledging historical legacies of resilience and resistance while actively confronting the ongoing impacts of systemic inequalities is a start. Be inclusive of all cultures and acknowledge our differences. I think we just need to know that we matter, and we make a difference. Create an environment where we are truly included and rewarded and feel valued in the workplace. Being inclusive in a diverse workplace requires taking the time to find people from the Black population and ensure they help shape and influence the processes and outcomes of belonging. We are a continuous thread woven into the fabric of this country.