Honoring, Celebrating, and Reflecting Together

GSTV is dedicated to honoring the team members and cultures that reflect the communities we serve. This Black History Month, we focused on the theme, “Honoring, Celebrating, and Reflecting Together,” to guide our conversations and actions. As part of our celebration, we hear more from a few team members about how they reflect on identity and community.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture

How do you personally celebrate or recognize Black History Month?

“Read stories of Black Americans as a reminder of my history and reflect on those I am inspired by.”

“Attend a Black history event or visit an African American focused museum.”

“My family will usually prepare a meal of black-eyed peas and cornbread on New Year’s Day and during the month of February for Black History Month. Black-eyed peas are a significant part of Black culture and are often eaten on New Year's Day as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The tradition is rooted in African culture and was brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade.” 

George Washington Carver

What is one historical figure, activist, artist, or leader that inspires you?

“I am inspired by the collective efforts of everyday African Americans during the Civil Rights movement. The individuals who boycotted buses, endured hardships, and stood up for their rights laid the foundation for the opportunities my generation enjoys today. Their courage in the face of adversity reminds me that even small actions matter when they contribute to a larger movement. This legacy teaches me that standing up for justice—no matter how big or small the action—is essential for progress, especially for underserved communities.”

“George Washington Carver is a big part of my family’s history. My Grandfather, Jesse Bell Sr. attended Tuskegee Institute and was lucky enough to meet and become Dr. Carver’s chauffeur for a short period of time while he was in college there. He was able to see the lab where he conducted his crop experiments and get to know him while driving him around.  When my grandfather was alive, he regaled us with stories of his time talking with Dr. Carver and of his lab and instruments used. Dr. Carver is an important part of history due to his desire to find inexpensive ways for the poor farmers to continue making a living. You can read more about him here on the Tuskegee website.”

Are there any books, films, podcasts, or events you’d recommend to others for learning and reflection?

“I find great inspiration in Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. This book chronicles his journey and struggle for justice and serves as a powerful reminder that achieving justice often requires perseverance over a long road. His story reinforces the idea that standing up for what’s right—no matter the obstacles—is essential, and it further emphasizes that every step matters. Every little step counts in the bigger picture.”

“Hidden Figures is a movie I would recommend. It was a great cast of actresses, but more importantly, the movie adequately emphasized the contributions of black women to the success of space travel. Before that movie, I had no idea that people of color, never mind women, had such large roles in spaceflight with NASA. I was very happy to see their legacy celebrated and think everyone should watch the film.”

What does Black History Month mean to you?

“Black History Month is a moment to pause and reflect on the diverse history of resilience, contributions, and achievements of individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder that the work toward empowerment and equality is ongoing. It also highlights the importance of understanding and learning from history so that we can continue progressing toward a more just and inclusive future.”

“Knowing that we are included, appreciated, treated the same and sought after in ways that others have not seen. We all bring something unique to the table and have talents that others may not possess so embracing those traits, flaws, beauties and personalities will we be united.”