Friend,

“For it’s our grief that gives us our gratitude. Shows us how to find hope, if we ever lose it. So ensure that this ache wasn’t endured in vain: Do not ignore the pain. Give it purpose. Use it.” -Amanda Gorman

As Black History Month comes to a close, Amanda Gorman’s words in Call Us What We Carry have been on my mind. They remind me of the deep connection between grief and gratitude, pain and purpose -- something that feels especially relevant in this moment. As the Black Collective Program Director, I wanted to take a moment to share my own thoughts on why this month is so important -- not just for what it can teach us through history, but also as a way to shape our present and future.

Black history is American history -- yet it is too often ignored or erased. Black History Month is a vital time to reclaim these stories and recognize their impact. It’s a legacy of resilience, resistance, and triumph that has shaped the world we live in today. We must continue to honor and learn about the stories that have been systemically erased. The fight for justice and equity is ongoing, and history teaches us that progress is possible through collective action.

For me, this is not just history -- it is personal. The struggles my ancestors faced remind me that I, too, can endure, resist, and create change. Their leadership and organizing paved the way for integrated schools and higher education opportunities, the ability to be in spaces Black people were once barred from, like restaurants and shops, and so much more. The progress they organized and struggled to win allows us to push for even more today.

The courage and determination of those who came before us fuel my unwavering commitment to justice. Their sacrifices demand that we keep pushing forward. I draw strength and wisdom from the abolitionists who resisted slavery outright like Harriet Tubman and those involved in the Underground Railroad. From the activists who staged sit-ins and boycotts for civil rights in my home state of North Carolina. From Kamala Harris breaking barriers as the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as Vice President of the United States. And from the Black folks who ran and were elected to the U.S. House and Senate, strengthening the Congressional Black Caucus and swelling its ranks to 62 members, the largest in its 50-plus-year history.

So how do we move forward? For me, thinking about those who have come before us, and all that they have done, drives me to challenge societal norms and push for a better future. But I know it takes more than just me engaging in this work. So I encourage each of you to speak up when you witness injustice. Engage in conversations, even when they feel uncomfortable. And use your voice to advocate for those who need it.

One way you can make a tangible impact is by supporting The Black Collective. Our work amplifies Black voices, challenges systemic inequities, and builds a future that honors those who came before us. If you believe in this mission, I encourage you to get involved. You can support us by donating, amplifying our work on social media, sharing our school-to-prison pipeline video, and donating to our grant-making program so we can continue to invest in black-led organizations leading this movement.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Black history is not confined to a single month -- it is an ongoing movement, a call to action, and a shared responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in shaping the future. Let’s continue this work together, today and every day.

In solidarity,

Ann-Michelle Roberts
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Black Collective Program Director
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