February is Black History Month. Below, members of the Communications & Marketing committee share the Black historical figures who have inspired them. Whom would you add to this list and why?
Lisa Miller: Mrs. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977) was a brave, vocal, and extraordinary champion of civil and voting rights. She suffered terribly for her work — beaten, forced sterilization, arrested — and yet she stood strong and spoke truth to power. Also, Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) founded my favorite dance company, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, in 1958. As a multi-racial, modern dance company, it was cutting edge then and continues to inspire today. Revelations and Cry always move me deeply.
Nakisha Procope: Josephine A. Silone Yates (1852 or 1859-1912) was the first Black person to graduate from her high school and went on to become the first Black woman to become chair of a college science department as well as the first to be named a full professor at any institution of higher learning in the country.
Aimee Greeter: In 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor, Dr. Mae Jemison (1956- present) became the first Black woman to travel to space. In addition to being an astronaut, she is an engineer, a medical doctor, and a trained dancer. I am continually impressed by her barrier-breaking professional accomplishments and inspired by the range of her abilities and skills.
Kate Jostworth: When I find myself struggling with courage I reflect on Rosa Parks (1913-2005). Her tenacity to stand firm on her beliefs ignited a movement. She is proof that you do not have to make large actions to drive change, rather what moves mountains is your passion and endurance for what you believe.
Haley Arellano: While he is a figure from relatively recent history, I find Harvey Gantt’s story to be inspiring. Harvey Gantt (1943-present))was Charlotte’s first Black mayor and, as a native Charlottean, I remember his hard-fought Senate races against Jesse Helms. Aside from his contributions to Charlotte as a public servant, his architecture firm is responsible for some of Charlotte’s beautiful buildings, like ImaginOn. Mr. Gantt has been a fixture in NC politics, a champion for civil rights, and a much-needed creative mind in the Charlotte community.
Tracy McGinnis: I find going back and re-reading many of the works of Maya Angelou (1928-2014) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) to be inspiring. It doesn’t matter how many times I may have read a poem or letter, I get something new out of each moment.
Michelle Spreitzer: Being a self-made millionaire took on a new perspective after watching Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker. Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919) didn’t just lift herself up by building a flourishing business, others benefited from her products, employment opportunities, and generous donations to a multitude of charities.
Sidnie Semich: Oprah Winfrey (1954-present) for her confidence, openness, and entrepreneurial attitude.
Lily Iatridis: I find authors Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960), Alice Walker (1944-present), and Toni Morrison (1931-2019) inspiring. Their books are wonderful reads and very educational.
