What Does Black History Month Mean to Us?

Every February, Americans pause to remember and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, past and present. This Black History Month, we asked a few Black USDSers “What does this month mean to you?”

Scroll down to get to know Black USDSers: Find out what they do, why they joined the U.S. Digital Service, and what’s on their Black History Month playlists.

Dr. Suraju Jolaoso, Talent Operations Specialist

What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to celebrate all the hard work, sacrifices, and historical contributions of Black people to this country. American history would not exist without Black history!

Why did you join USDS?
I joined USDS to lean into public service and serve constituents as I did in my previous jobs, except at a national scale here.

Do you have a favorite “hidden figure” (a Black historical figure who doesn’t get enough credit)?
Alexander Miles, the inventor of automatic elevator doors. Without him, I wouldn’t be movin’ on up!

What’s on your Black History Month play/watch/reading lists?
Michelle Silverthorn’s Authentic Diversity: How to Change the Workplace for Good. I’ve found a lot of great curated playlists on Spotify; you can stumble upon some greats just by hitting shuffle.

Whitney Robinson, Product Manager

What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s a reminder that I’m free. It’s also a reminder that I’m not self-made; countless elders and ancestors gave it their all without seeing the dream so that I can.

Why did you join USDS?
1. Sparkle!
2. Bringing a private sector background to social impact within the government felt interesting.

Do you have a favorite “hidden figure” (a Black historical figure” who doesn’t get enough credit)?
We all know [W. E. B.] DuBois. I think what’s “hidden” are his design and facilitation chops. His work in Philly in the late 1800s, resulting in thousands of conversations with Black families, changes the way we see Black folks today — especially around the determinants of health.

What’s on your Black History Month play/watch/reading lists?
“Think” by Curtis Mayfield, “The Soul of A Black Man” by James Brown/Maceo, every song on the Claudine soundtrack.

What’s your motto?
Keep your life light and bright.

Jasmine Smith, Strategic Engagement & Partnerships

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a month for acknowledging and celebrating the history-altering moments in American history, specifically led by Black leaders, inventors, writers, entrepreneurs, activists, and other dynamic history makers. It’s a time where stories are re-told and we as American people are reminded of the sacrifices and contributions made to uplift this country by Black people.

This includes those in our families. My grandmother was the first Black student at Methodist Nursing School in Brooklyn, New York. My mother was a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force Presidential Honor Guard under President Ronald Reagan. She was the only black woman (out of more than 160 men) to serve in this capacity during her tour.

Everything about Black History Month is inspiring on many levels and has certainly contributed to my own ingenuity.

Why did you join USDS?
What drew me to USDS was how unconventionally it showed up in conversation. I would hear it described as a “start-up in the government” or a “tech consultancy for the White House and other government agencies” and was immediately intrigued. The more I did research and began to better understand the real who, why, and what, I knew it was a place I wanted to work. USDS is doing incredible things to improve the lives of people who need it the most.

Do you have a favorite “hidden figure” (a Black historical figure who doesn’t get enough credit)?
We don’t talk about Shirley Chisholm enough. Not only was she the first African-American woman in Congress but, she was also the first African-American woman to run for President of the United States. She overcame insurmountable resistance and yet courageously advocated for women and children while pulling up her own chair to many tables. She was fierce.

What’s on your Black History Month play/watch/reading lists?
Last year, Apple Music curated a Black History Month playlist made by Black artists. I saved at least three playlists and listen year-round. I’m challenging myself to start and finish The Other Wes Moore by the end of February. It’s a story about two Black men with the same name who grew up very differently.

What’s your motto?
Do what you can, with what you have, right now in the moment.

We’re hiring mission-driven talent professionals, engineers, designers, product managers, bureaucracy hackers, procurement specialists, and operations pros who want to make an impact on the lives of their fellow Americans. Apply here.

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