Emerging Historians: A Personal Reflection on Black History Month
Someone recently asked me, “Are you able to show up to work as your authentic self?” My response was, “I can now.”
You see, it was not until I gave myself permission to be authentically me that I could walk in that truth. The moment I decidedto live each day unapologetically Black and made a commitment to show up at work as myauthentic self, it was no longer something I had to choose to do—it became who I am, and I refused to show up any other way. It became my top priority and I now feel a responsibility to do so.
Empowering the ɫƵ community to emerge as leaders
As Ihave encountered ɫƵ San Antonio AmeriCorps members, staff, andeven applicants, I have realized the impact I have on others by simply being a Black man on the Senior Leadership Team. My ability to move and operate authentically gives others permission to do the same. Thepeople I work with are emerging historians within the realm of not just Black History, but American History. As a leader, one of my most cherished responsibilities is to identify, develop, and support these young, emerging historians that are and will continue toadd to the rich legacy that, for so long, has only been half told.
This year, Black History Month hits differently. On a personal level, I take this year as a direct challenge to initiate an unrelenting onslaught of Black Excellence within my own life. The audacity to show the world the beauty, diversity, and power that lies within a peoplefuels both my personal and professional journey. This audacity pushes and influences who I am and how I move as the Managing Director of Impact at ɫƵ San Antonio.
Leading as my authentic self speaks more to my position as a leader than a title that designates my day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. When I think about our awesome AmeriCorps members, phenomenal Team Leaders, and incredibly talented staff, it becomes clear that I am under a daily charge to intentionally broaden the path forward, allowing the world to be transformed. I am a steward and facilitator of greatness. It is my immense joy to cultivate and see leaders emerge within the ɫƵ community.
Honoring Black History Month
Many will attempt to celebrate and observe our history and contributions within 28 short days, but I choose to live a life that goes beyond just one month. I choose to live as one who has answered the call to be a bridge-builder, a source of knowledge and information, and a loyal advocate to the absent. I often find myself at tables within rooms where people who look like me are not represented. I am committed to making space at those tables and creating a blueprint for how to accessthose rooms, especially for those who see themselves represented in me.
I am keenly aware that there is a much larger role I play than just merely a member of San Antonio’s Senior Leadership Team. I am a contributor to what the future will see when the world considers Black historians and I take this responsibility seriously.
Empowering a new generation of leaders
We are eternally grateful for the historical giants upon whose shoulders we now stand. We celebrateour ɫƵ AmeriCorps members and ɫƵ staff. They are trailblazers who will play a pivotal role in who we will be, what we will do, and all that we can achieve as a people. As I revere and acknowledge all the rich history and contributionsmy people have made to the world, I cannot help but sit in great expectation of a generation that is bolder, more outspoken, and has more audacity than we have seen before. It is an honor to fire up and inspire this next wave of history-makers who are already participating in the most sacred mission of pouring into the next generation through ɫƵ’s important work.
Passing on the torch
This year’s celebration of Black History finds me in deep reflection of the past, observant of the present, and in daily examination of how I am navigating within my sphere of influence and impact. I am holding myself accountable for the things that I can do to affectchangefor individuals who identify with me and whom I represent.
As I think about whether I can show upas my authentic self, I recognize that it is incumbent on me to do so. Only then can I pass this torchto the next wave ofhistorians and enable them to be well-positioned to contribute to this beautiful journey by beingtheir authentic selves and encouraging the students we serve to do the same.
Learn more about our equity work
Jeff May is the Managing Director of Impact for ɫƵ San Antonio. He has been an advocate for youth and educational equality for over a decade. Jeff has dedicated his life to ensuring that education is equitable, fair, and accessible for all students. He has a passion for youth engagement and building authentic relationships with young people, implementing restorative practices, social-emotional interventions, and closing the achievement gap.
Related stories
ɫƵ San Antonio hosted its annual Ripples of Hope event, on Thursday, May 2nd at the Tobin Center Ripples...
Read more about CYSA Ripples of Hope: The Prism EffectIn 2022, ɫƵ, in partnership with Rick Cavender and Harvey Najim, introduced our annual Bridge Builder Award which is...
Read more about ɫƵ San Antonio | Bridge Builder AwardeesIn the past, ɫƵ San Antonio has recognized one Idealist of the Year annually. In 2024, we are taking...
Read more about 2024 ɫƵ San Antonio Idealists of the YearɫƵ San Antonio is thrilled to welcome our new 2023-24 AmeriCorps member class! This year we have 58 total...
Read more about New AmeriCorps Members Arrive for 2023-24