Columbus McKinnon's US Associates Share How They Feel About Black History Month
By Columbus McKinnon Associates | Feb 26, 2021
As we close out Black History Month, we asked our fellow Columbus McKinnon associates to share what the month means to them.
Black History Month is a month to highlight the achievements of African Americans.
It's greatness that’s already been defined and everyday like the sun it shines. It’s a time to thank those who paved the way for our generation and beyond. Showing our struggles and resilience through time.
It gives hope and encouragement to all African Americans.
Black history is every day to me not just the month of February.
Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and reflect on the achievements Black people have made to American society.
Black History Month also shows the struggles that Black people have endured but most of all I look at BHM as a time of learning and celebration of African American History.
Black history month, to me, is a time to celebrate African American culture and those who paved the way for African Americans today. African Americans who have motivated you to achieve greatness and not let your skin color be a hindrance to you.
Not just those who helped free the slaves, or the big names like MLK, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Barrack Obama, and Kamala Harris. But those such as Edward Bouchet, who was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from an American university. Georgiana Rose Simpson was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in the United States. Or a local person such as David Williamson, who was part of the friendship nine in Rock Hill, SC.
There are so many things that have been done in black history that it's amazing. For me, black history is something that I celebrate every day, not just during February. I love being in the skin that I am in and wouldn’t change for anything in the world. I can honestly say I know what it means to work hard and not let anything hold you back from achieving anything that you feel you want to do in life. I'm proud to be able to say that this is a part of my history and heritage.
Black History Month is a reminder for me to take the time to learn more about and recognize how black Americans have contributed to American history, as so many of their contributions were not taught when I was in school.
Black History Month gives us time to pause and recognize the achievements of phenomenal Black leaders. It also helps us acknowledge the struggles that have been placed on this group of people through history, and how resilient and truly formidable these achievers are in the face of those challenges. It is by understanding and appreciating the lessons of the past that we bring awareness of how we must evolve for a better future. As a woman and mother of three kids, I know my children's futures will benefit in a world that is equitable and inclusive. I am thankful for the attention we are giving to Black History Month as a way to open dialogue around the unique experience of individuals different than myself. I am excited to hear Black voices and stories that inspire me as a professional and a human being.
Celebrating Black History Month & the Innovators Who Have Shaped Our History
As we celebrate Black History Month, we salute the many past and present Black innovators who have shaped the manufacturing and material handling communities, as well as the industries that we serve.
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