This Black History Month we wanted to shout out some of the important Black voices within our community. We reached out to our staff, board, and Bigs to ask them some important questions around Black History Month. Read on for great Black Owned Business recommendations, Black role models to look up to, and insightful perspectives on why Black history is so important.

Omari Aarons

Big Brother, Board Member

1. What does Black History mean to you? “For me, Black History Month is a source of pride and a story of perseverance. It was created to recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans that were uncredited for how America was built. Today, that story continues through many Black Americans who continue to break barriers to be the first in their field or role.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “Several studies point to the importance of caring adults in the lives of young people outside of a parent/guardian or teacher and coach. Our Bigs serve a critical role in being a trusted figure who can ask questions and provide a safe space for young people to express themselves freely.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “I would recommend Black Owned Bos (www.blackownedbos.com) where you can find a directory of businesses to support. With Valentine’s Day coming up, I’m shopping again at Chocolate Therapy for their delicious truffles and caramels!”
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “I’m reading now about Richard Allen, the founder and first bishop of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. What started with being forcibly removed from the altar in 1787 has grown into a global denomination with over 2.5 million members and is now credited as the first civil rights movement in America. It reminds me that we don’t always know how what we are building will turn out, but it can be here in 200 years still making a difference in the lives of so many people.”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “It was Derek Walcott, the Nobel prize winning poet and playwright, who wrote, “learn what I remember that someday it might save.” Black history is American history, American history is world history, and the history of the world belongs to all of us. Telling these stories  helps us not repeat past mistakes and inspires us to go further and dream bigger.”

Isahiah Erilus

Staff Member, Mentor 2.0 Program

1. What does Black History mean to you? “To me Black History means to highlights the accomplishments of all Black communities around world. When I think of Black History I think of unity, respect, tradition, and the proud cultural heritage of the community.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “In my opinion the work we do as an organization, supports Black Health and Wellness. Such as providing access to mentor, helping families, and inspiring youth to be the best version of themself.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “A Black owned business in Boston that I would recommend is Blackmarket nubian. It’s a pop-up marketplace in Roxbury’s Nubian Square, owned by Kai and Christopher Grant, focuses on economic justice, arts and culture, and civic engagement.”
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “There are many figures in Black History that inspire me such as MLK, James Baldwin, Naomi Anderson, Ermias Asghedom, all of them are activists that inspired people no matter their race, gender, cultural background, or ethnicity   to treat other with respect and fight for an equitable lifestyle for all.”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “I think it’s important to highlight everyone’s cultural history. Every cultural is unique and deserve to have constant recognition of all the amazing accomplishment.”

Coco Fernandes

Staff Member, Enrollment Team

1. What does Black History mean to you? “Black History is the celebration of the history of Black culture, honoring the historical triumphs and hardships! The continuous celebration of all the historical contributions the black diaspora has brought to the world!”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “BBBSEM is all about providing our community with a larger support system! We create these matches in the hopes that they form genuine and supportive lifelong relationships. Through these relationships, we also encourage positive youth development by having various match activities that of course encourage health and wellness! But in general, just the structure of our program, having a child explore their community while connecting with a positive influence has a great impact on their overall wellness!”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “On the topic of health and wellness, I recommend a local black-owned yoga studio in Boston (offering in-person and virtual classes!)!
   4 Corners Yoga + Wellness – 336 Washington St., Dorchester, MA. Check out the website: 4cornersyogawellness.com“
4. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “I love this question! History, in general, is crucial, we must be all aware of all the circumstances that lead to our current society. Unfortunately, most if not all of history was told from a “skewed point of view”, to diminish the importance of black culture. It’s extremely important to acknowledge and be aware of how influential the black diaspora and culture were on the world! It is important that this, like the rest of history, is acknowledged and celebrated daily!”

Blandine Jean- Paul

Board Member

1. What does Black History mean to you? “Black History is a time to reflect and pay tribute to the Black Americans who forged the road during this country’s darkest days to create the freedom, equity and opportunities we enjoy today.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “I believe BBBSEM can focus on programs that help reduce the health care gap among Black Americans. Access to affordable and equitable healthcare for Black American is still a big issue in this country. The stats continue to show that Black Americans suffer death from chronic disease at higher rates than their White counterparts. With that said, if BBBSEM, could consider partnering with a mobile health clinic to increase access to affordable healthcare to underserved communities that would be a huge step in the right direction. It could also consider partners like Converse or Reebok to execute fitness clinics in these same neighborhoods. I believe there are lots of grassroots opportunities for BBBSEM to inspire these communities by creating access points.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “Darly’s Kitchen is one that comes to mind. There’s great music and food and the vibe is chill. I always have fun there. I wish there were more places like that in Boston.”
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “This is honestly a very difficult question to answer because it is hard to narrow it down to one person. For example, Harriet Tubman and her Underground Railroad was a major catalyst to the Civil War, Marcus Garvey led a pro-African movement to restore pride in Black African culture, Rosa Parks just wanted the freedom to sit anywhere on the bus after a long day at work, Angela Davis, a Black nationalist, just want to help her community build wealth, health and safety for each other, Jackie Robinson endured brutal racism when he broke the color barrier in baseball which became the catalyst for the multimillionaire athletes we have today and least we not forget, the Honorable Thurgood Marshall. Without his presence even before his tenure on the Supreme Court, we would not have access or rights to much of what we enjoy today. With all that said, to me it’s not about one figure, it’s about the collective efforts of all those mentioned and not mentioned who I am grateful for. Without each and everyone of them, I probably wouldn’t be afforded the life I live today and that is why this month means so much to me.”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “It is important because there is still so much work left to do. Equity has not been fully attained and in order for Black culture in America to continue to evolve in a positive way, we much ensure that we are teaching this history every day to the generations to come. By highlighting positive images Black cultural leaders both historical and present day, we can break down some of the stigmas that still thrive to this day.”

Stephen Lucien

Big Brother, YPG Board Member

1. What does Black History mean to you? “Black History is an accurate recount of the successes, achievements, pain, injustice, and tribulations that Black people have gone through all of history, not just regulated to American history. Black History is to truthfully recount not only the subjugation that Black people have experienced throughout human history but also the impact that Black people have had that still influences today’s world.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “The big thing that BBBSEM does to support Black mental health and wellness is providing Littles (and sometimes Bigs) with a compassionate ear to listen. Although Bigs are not official therapists and don’t have the answers to every question, sometimes people don’t necessarily need answers to questions, just the ability to express and process whatever emotion they may be going through. Just being there and willing to listen can make all the difference.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “I’m a pretty big foodie, so my suggestions are food-related. Slade’s in the South End has amazing fried chicken (might be the best I’ve ever had). My wife and I had our wedding reception at MIDA in the South End, an Italian restaurant run by a Black chef. Lastly, Suya Joint near Nubian Square (Dudley) has great African cuisine.”
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “My two figures (although you only asked for one) are Malcolm X and James Baldwin. They both were striving for radical change in order to ensure Black people were treated equally. They demanded respect in every room and in every interview they were a part of. Also, they do not tolerate the “laissez-faire” approach to gaining equality for Black people because they were ahead of their time with the knowledge that drastic change required drastic measures.”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “It’s important to continually talk about Black History every month because it is history itself. Speaking about Black History prevents the powers that be to attempt to whitewash the history books. Continually speaking truth to power allows us to never forget where we’ve been so Black people can progress on the success and never repeat the atrocities.”

Regina McGregor

Board Member

1. What does Black History mean to you? “To me, black history means remembering those that came before me and how hard they work to enable me to be in the position I am in now.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “I think by providing mentors and a support system for African American kids, BBBSEM is giving these children opportunities to focus on things outside of their normal day to day which ultimately enhances their wellbeing.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “I’d recommend District 7 Tavern in Roxbury.”
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “I’d say Maya Angelou, she was the epitome of black excellence and class!”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “Because without Black history there would be no American History!”

Betelhem Merga

Big Sister

1. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “My little, Saraih, and I always talk about self health and care. It is such an important topic and oftentimes not talked about with young teens. We talk about ways to better take care of ourselves; some examples being through self-care days, journaling, and tea!”
2. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “Check out Flames and Sugar Me Now!!”
3. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “Recently I watched the movie Judas and the Black Messiah and it was a great movie! I got the opportunity to learn more about Fred Hampton. He was the leader of the Black Panther Party and embodied the virtues of a good leader. He acted in accordance with the other members of the party and pushed projects that benefited and empowered Black communities. Hampton lost his life too early but his impact on the Civil Rights movement and Black liberation still lives on till this day. He inspires me to go beyond simply believing in something but acting on it.”
4. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “People of color have contributed so much to society, more than we even know. It is important to give credit where credit is due. Amplifying Black history every month in the context of BBBSEM is crucial because children need to see themselves in history. It encourages and motivates them to keep going in the face of adversity with the hope of being just like those they learned about.”

Keulesia Webley-Sewell

Staff Member

1. What does Black History mean to you? “Black History for me is a time to reflect. Reflect on the sacrifices, the movements and inspirations African Americans have made throughout history. It’s a time to think of our ancestors and thank them for the actions they took for us all to be where we are. More importantly, it’s a time of motivation and inspiration to push ourselves further to bring forth a better future and society for coming generations.”
2. This year’s Black History Month theme is Black Health and Wellness. How do you think BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness? “BBBSEM plays a part in Black health and wellness by focusing on the youths in the black community. As an organization BBBSEM has used mentoring as a foundation to help promote health and wellness along with other values. Mentees in all of the programs offered by the organization understand that their mentors are a safe place for them to talk about their feelings, find support and guidance in times of hardship. During and with the continuation of the pandemic, the organization has founded ways to assist in maintaining the relationship of matches. They have built on the foundation matches had before the pandemic to let mentees know they are not a lone during the period of isolation.  Today, we are encouraging our mentees and mentors to focus on their wellbeing by sharing a number of resources.”
3. What is a Black owned business in Boston that you recommend everyone check out? “​I have lived in Boston for about four years now and I can honestly say I am still exploring. I do not know of any black owned restaurants I can fully recommend however, there is a black own Barbershop I can testify for. Cut to Fit is a Barber shop located in Dorchester center, where guys can get their haircuts and locs installed and maintained.
   Cut to Fit is a very vibrant place of business, the individuals there are always putting on events for the youths in their community. Once you enter, you can feel the positive vibes and familiar place of family. “
4. Who is a figure in Black History you look up to and why? “I know this might be controversial for some but I do not have a figure in Black History I look up to. The reason is because there are so many Black figures in history that are inspirational, there are also a lot of figures that we have also forgotten. I want to look at all the figures that have come before me and be motivated by them in all aspect of my life.”
5. Why is it important to talk about Black History every month not just during February? “Black History is always happening. If we look at our daily lives in all aspects, there has been a black figure that has made a contribution that is still being seen today. For example, Dr. Philip Emeagwali, a black pioneer who developed the fastest computer on Earth has led to the development of the internet. The basis of the technology he created is the foundation for all search engines we used today even Google. When we think or listen to music a lot of the foundational sounds found in today’s music has come from the black culture. We can continue but the presence of Black history and Black culture is seen in aspects of our lives and we should take time to recognize this.”