Each February, Veritas commemorates the incredible accomplishments, contributions, and activism of Black Americans throughout history, which play a part in every aspect of American progress and culture. Black history is American history, and all Americans can learn from its rich legacy of art, resistance, and resilience. This February, you can honor the heroes of Black history, and celebrate present day heroes.
The theme of Black History Month 2023 is Black Resistance, in recognition of those who’ve fought injustice and oppression. It’s a reminder to promote education, raise awareness, and condemn racism. You can pay tribute to the lessons of history by championing change during Black History Month, and every day of the year.
Hear from members of BLEVE and who they are honoring this month.
Black Hero: Langston Hughes – “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”
I love this quote from Langston Hughes because pursuing our dreams is an act of faith combined with willpower. Our dreams give us a sense of purpose and meaning and guide us into our desired future
Black Hero: Maya Angelou - “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I was raised to always treat people the way you would want to be treated. In today’s environment where mental health is a ‘hot topic’, this quote sends the message to be kind to everyone.
Black Hero: Shirley Chisolm - “You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering, and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
This quote resonates with me because I was raised around strong black women and it’s something my grandmother would tell me.
Black Hero: Barack Obama - “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
This quote always hits my heart as it represents the need to be a leader and take action. It is important to not wait on anyone else and be bold to disrupt and make change which is something President Obama has done all his life.
Black Hero: Rosa Parks – “Each person must live their life as a model for others.”
This quote inspires me, because just as Rosa Parks did, we also can be the example and take a stand against injustice. We each have the power to live our lives making lasting changes by being an example and taking action. You never know who you might inspire!
Black Hero: Frederick Douglass - “Without a struggle there can be no progress”
These words exemplify to me the true value of perseverance in the face of adversity. The truth of who you are, who you are becoming and what you will achieve starts with facing your fears, overcoming challenges, and building the strength of your character. Facing your struggles is an opportunity for growth, to become a better version of yourself.
Black Hero: Madam CJ Walker – “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!”
This quote is inspiring as a call to action. It serves as a reminder of the consistent theme of enterprise and pro-action that runs through the black community in every sphere of life.
Black Hero: Michelle Obama – “Choose people who lift you up.”
This quote is a reminder to surround yourself with positive, inspiring & people that will push you to be or become your best self. People who lift you up don’t always agree with you, or have the answer, but you know they always have your back, and that they always want the best for you.
At Veritas Technologies, members of BLEVE have committed to being changemakers, and we proudly do so by promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives within the Veritas community. If you are interested in learning more about Veritas’ commitment to DEI or joining our organization, check out: https://www.veritas.com/company/careers/why-join-us/diversity-and-inclusion.
