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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 decided��to live each day unapologetically Black and made a commitment to show up at work as my��authentic 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ community to emerge as leaders ��

As I��have encountered ��ɫ��Ƶ San Antonio AmeriCorps members, staff, and��even 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. The��people 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 to��add 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 people��fuels 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ community.��

Read more on a Black history lesson from the Civil Rights Era from a ��ɫ��Ƶ Detroit AmeriCorps member.

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 access��those 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 celebrate��our ��ɫ��Ƶ AmeriCorps members and ��ɫ��Ƶ 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 contributions��my 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ’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 affect��change��for individuals who identify with me and whom I represent.��

As I think about whether I can show up��as my authentic self, I recognize that it is incumbent on me to do so. Only then can I pass this torch��to the next wave of��historians and enable them to be well-positioned to contribute to this beautiful journey by being��their 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 ��ɫ��Ƶ 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.��

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