Colleague Spotlight: Celebrating Black History Month in the US
In honor of Black History Month in the United States, recognized every February, I spoke to three colleagues of African descent to learn more about their culture and what this month means to them.
AJ Adade
VP, Onboarding & Consulting
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a time to reflect upon, acknowledge, and elevate the contributions of African Americans within the broader context of what it means to be American. It’s a time to pay homage to and ensure proper attribution for the many positive influences, despite all the struggle and strife, as well as remember that Black History is American History (all the time).
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
My culture has taught me that while I am exclusively accountable for my actions, my actions will reflect upon past, present, and future generations. In addition, my culture has clarified that to succeed, you must understand and appreciate where you are and what you have, make something of it, and never be satisfied. I’ve used these lessons throughout my career as critical elements of my accountability framework.
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
Much of African American culture is already being shared and assimilated. It’s inextricably part of what it means to be American—food, music, dance, vocabulary, and more. I’d like to see a rise in prominence in the cultural elements of connectedness, respect for our elders, and a sense of community, and maybe we should swap typical boring handshakes with "dapping".
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
I like to daydream about being in the position to coach or mentor more formally outside of my company role.
If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be?
Self-leadership is foundational to finding success. It is hard, if not impossible, to maximize the use of resources you have or acquire without self-leadership.
Jodi McFarlane
Content Strategy Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of African Americans in the past while also taking the time to recognize modern-day areas for improvement. For example, in corporate America, there’s been a concentrated effort to support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Historically, America has been referred to as a “melting pot” but there’s been a shift to using a “salad bowl” metaphor instead—where individual differences are celebrated, but each contribution to the whole is necessary and valued.
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
Growing up, I was taught the value of education and never giving up despite the circumstances, which propelled me to where I am today. My parents were not college educated, but I graduated debt-free from the University of South Florida thanks to my parents’ sacrifices and help from scholarships. I landed a job at ConnectWise almost nine years ago and had the opportunity to learn a lot in a couple of different roles. Two years ago, I completed a Master of Science in Marketing with the help of the master’s assistance program that ConnectWise offers to colleagues with one year of service.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
According to the Harvard Political Review, “In the face of the systemic oppression that prevents access to equal educational opportunities, Black Americans still dedicate themselves to pursuing high-quality education for themselves and their children.”
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
I’m originally from Jamaica and the culture is more laid back and has a “roll with the punches” mentality. There’s a saying, “wi likkle but wi tallawah,” which means although we’re a small country, we’re strong and can do anything (have you heard of Usain Bolt?). We all have that mentality as children, but somewhere along the way, we start to doubt our abilities.
Cue the song “Eye of the Tiger.”
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
Five years ago, I dreamed of being where I am today. I have a stable career, in my dream job, and a homeowner. I say that to take a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come, as we all should. Sometimes we’re too busy planning for the future that we forget to enjoy the present, but this is only a milestone along my journey. I hope to manage a small team and start a family in the next five years.
If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be?
I’m a lover of quotes, so my advice would be these two quotes:
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” - Vincent Van Gogh
“It is more important to know where you are going than to get there quickly. Do not mistake activity for achievement.” - Isocrates
Your career is your journey. Try your hardest not to compare your journey to others. Stay true to exploring your interests and giving your best.
Byron Fields
Web Developer
What does Black History Month mean to you?
For me Black History is every day. The month is for the rest of the country to become informed. I hope the country takes a story of perseverance, determination, and love from the historical figures they will be introduced to over the month.
How has the influence of your culture helped you excel in your career?
The black experience for me has been about resiliency. Because of my upbringing, I can handle any challenge presented to me. This helps me stay levelheaded and focused on the objective when I get discouraged. I remember the path I have already walked and what it took to make it this far and continue pressing forward.
If you could share your culture with others, what would you share?
The family connection. I am surprised at how often I find other colleagues are not as close to their extended family. Family gives us roots, and roots keep us grounded, which I find important in my life.
What do you plan to accomplish in the next five years?
I developed an amazing game, wrote a few amazing web3 smart contracts, and purchased an amazing house for my family. Everything is amazing because I say it is. These things haven't happened yet but talking about them as if they have already come to pass will lead to a better chance of manifestation.
If you could share a piece of career advice with others, what would it be?
Don’t let the barriers in your mind limit you. Everyone has insecurities. What separates some from others is the ability to act, regardless of these insecurities. Your mind is an excellent tool. Learn to use it properly and not be controlled by it, and it will take you as far as you want to go.