I recently received a newsletter from Dr. Chris Gray, Founding President of Erie County Community College of Pennsylvania. I was eager to read President Gray’s blog post centered on the importance of honoring Black History Month.  

In the blog, President Gray says, “Black History Month is vital to modern American society because it pays homage to the past while also serving as a catalyst for ongoing conversations about racial equality and justice as we all step forward into the future.”  Read President Gray’s full blog post.

I wholeheartedly agree with President Gray’s statement and firmly believe that it is critically important to recognize the exceptional contributions of so many Black Americans throughout history and understand where changes are still needed to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of society, from education to employment and housing and everywhere in between.  

We as a nation have witnessed both the challenges and triumphs of Black Americans, and we have a unique opportunity to look ourselves in the mirror and ask what we can do better to increase awareness of injustices and promote the much-needed progress needed to level the playing field. This goal extends far beyond just the month of February. It’s a continuous objective that we are all called to work toward collectively and as individuals.  

If history has taught us anything, it has reminded us that we have so many Black Americans among us who are visionaries, trailblazers, and change makers. History has also shown us the incredible resilience and perseverance of Black Americans. At the same time, we must face the reality that Black Americans face struggles we can’t ignore.  

In my first year of teaching in the Erie Public Schools, I met Ada Lawrence, a special educator and one of the first Black teachers and special education teachers in the Erie School District. She had been hired by my aunt, Dr. Gertrude Barber when she was Director of Special Education and Assistant Superintendent. Miss Lawrence and I were based at Wayne School. She was a great mentor! She spent her entire career teaching special education students in the Erie School District. She also was appointed to the Barber Center Board and served many years in that role. She was a trailblazer…as was Dr. Barber. 

Working together to make sure success is available to everyone is not only a request we should be making of ourselves, but also a commitment that will drive the changes we wish to see in the world.