What Black History Month Means to Us: California United Way Voices - United Ways of California

What Black History Month Means to Us: California United Way Voices

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

In honor of Black History Month, we asked United Way staff across the state what the observance meant to them. Here are some of their unique stories and perspectives. 

As I reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am struck by how his dream continues to resonate in my life, my leadership, and the community I serve.

Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, and service has been a guiding light for me as a 72-year-old African American woman leading a nonprofit. His dream gave me the audacity to believe that I could rise, despite systemic challenges, and that my contributions would matter.

The courage to dream, a call to serve, hope for tomorrow.

First, Dr. King represents courage to dream.

Growing up in a time when opportunities for women of color were scarce, his vision reminded me that obstacles are meant to be overcome—not only for myself but for those coming after me. Like Dr. King, I have sought to build bridges and tear down walls, whether as a business leader, a community advocate, or now as the CEO of United Way of Imperial County.

Second, he represents a call to serve.

Dr. King believed in a life dedicated to service, and that is what I strive to embody every day. Whether it’s improving lives in Imperial Valley or creating programs for children to thrive, I see my work as an extension of his belief that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

Finally, he represents hope for tomorrow.

Dr. King taught us that change happens slowly, sometimes painfully so, but it is always possible. As I look at the next generation, I see his dream alive in their determination to demand justice and equality. It is my responsibility to nurture that hope and to ensure that his vision is carried forward.

Today, Dr. King’s legacy means action. It’s about asking ourselves, “What more can I do to serve others? How can I use my position to empower those who have been silenced?”

Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As I stand before you today, I am proud to answer that question with my life’s work, but I know there is still much to do.

I am committed to continuing his fight for justice, his passion for unity, and his dream of a better tomorrow.

I would like to say thank you to those who have paved the way for me and so many other African Americans in this country. My grandmother marched with MLK, and unfortunately my mother was at the event in which JFK was killed. So, my roots are full of great and not so great events in history.  But today, when I see the rainbow of people that are family and friends, I know that those tragic losses were not in vain, and that the history and strength of those that endured such atrocities runs deep in my veins. Working at United Way lets me know I am still fighting the good fight, just as my family did back then.

Over the years, I’ve often heard the question, “If we don’t have a white history month, why do we have a Black History Month?” To me, celebrating a cultural heritage month doesn’t diminish the significance of others. Yes, Black history is American history, but this isn’t an either-or situation. You can take pride in your own culture while also advocating for a more inclusive narrative.

We live in a society where race is a socially constructed concept, yet this construct carries profound weight, influencing where people live, their socioeconomic status, the quality of healthcare they receive, and even their access to education. Ideally, we would live in a world where race wasn’t so deeply woven into the fabric of our lives. But until that day comes, I will continue to celebrate Black History Month. For me, it’s about honoring the sacrifices and the accomplishments of my ancestors, recognizing the resiliency of those once enslaved and those still experiencing discrimination and injustice, and celebrating with joy my culture and unique identity.

My grandmother always says, “You are a strong piece of leather, well put together!” Those words mean so much because I know I carry the strength and resilience of my ancestors within me. Their perseverance flows through my veins, reminding me that I was made for such a time like this!

I grew up as part of a long line of strong African American women. I know that line back 7 generations, and I am working to get as much information as I can from our family historians so it doesn’t get lost when they pass away.

I am a Black woman who understands what it means to struggle and to succeed. Through my ancestors, I was taught how to be adaptable and determined. I was coached on how to see the light in the darkest of situations and make the most out of what might be perceived as very little. 

My heritage is a part of me and my behaviors/actions every single day. I know that I am here on the backs of the women before me, and I need to create a base for the women of color after me to thrive. This is why I celebrate our history. To give the next generation a network of principles, intuitions, insights, and tidbits to navigate this extremely complex world we live in with grace and joy.

Robert Morton
United Way of Northern California

Black History Month is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the accomplishments, the strength, pure grit and determination that is within my people. It does not end at the close of February, but it is a month where my Blackness is at least under consideration by the dominant culture and that for me is uplifting.

Learn more about Black history and how it intersects with our work. You can also access our Resource Guide to expand your knowledge, celebrate Black joy, and raise awareness.

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