Rinnita Thompson Mamie T ill-Mobley Emmett T ill

[Pages:2]Black History Month Reflection: Rinnita Thompson, Service Representative, Central Reception

Rinnita Thompson

Mamie Till-Mobley

Emmett Till

Whom would you like to recognize for their contribution to Black History?

I would like to shine a light on a great woman named Mamie Elizabeth Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till. Mamie Elizabeth Till-Mobley was an American educator and activist. She was an excellent student, the first Black student to make the A Honor Roll and the fourth black student to graduate from a predominately white high school. Her only son, Emmett Till, was murdered in Mississippi in 1955 at age 14 after being wrongfully accused of harassing a white female store clerk.

Why did you select her? What about her impact/leadership on you/the U.S./the world?

I recently began watching a series called The Women of the Movement, a series of documentary short videos chronicling the history and legacy of woman advocates. In watching, my eyes were completely opened and illuminated by Mamie Till's strength, courage and resilience to the response of her son's abduction and brutal murder. At the same time my heart was saddened and I felt outraged as the story was retold and relived right before my eyes as I watched the screen. Mamie Till-Mobley bore her pain on the world's stage for all to see. She even risked her life for justice, emerging as an activist for justice and igniting the civil rights movement as we know it today. Her voice was heard as she traveled around the country to share the story of her son Emmett's life, death and the trial for his murder. She is highly revered for her contribution in the USA's war against racism. Many believe this was a critical point in American History toward the end of racism in the South.

What does Black History Month mean to you as a person, mother/father, and/or leader?

Black History Month is a time for highlighting the many accomplishments and contributions that African Americans have made to every aspect of our country. Black History Month provides an opportunity to salute the many accomplishments of African Americans, some that often go unnoticed. BHM is about our ancestors, change-makers, and revolutionaries ? whose names we know as well as those unheard of and forgotten. For many, the fruits of their labor were never seen or enjoyed, and we owe many of our freedoms to their efforts. We often relish the stories and legends, but should gift our gratitude to those Blacks who dedicated themselves to better our world!

Black History Month is a reminder to all Americans that our country would not be where it is today if it were not for the innovation, hard work, intellect, and courage of Black Americans that came before us. There are so many to give credit to! BHM encourages us to recognize our past, evaluate our present, and plan for our future.

Do you have a personal story that you'd like to share?

Growing up in the inner city, attending grade school, I always loved to celebrate Black History Month at school. It was a special and exciting time to celebrate, learn and acknowledge with pride who I was in this world and who I could become. I remember learning and reciting the poem "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. This poem uses a staircase to symbolize the hardship of the mother's existence as a Black woman. The mother contrasts this rough staircase with a crystal staircase, saying the infamous ending line, "Life for me ain't been no crystal stair." The crystal staircase symbolizes an easy, affluent, and sparkling life that is out of reach for most Black people, while the rickety staircase the mother speaks of symbolizes a difficult life. She wanted her son to know how hard her life was and what obstacles her son will face ahead. That line stuck with me throughout my life. Through Black History I've learned so much about myself and my abilities to remain strong and steadfast while overcoming challenges, big and small.

Do you have any new perspectives to share about equity, inclusion and diversity?

During this day and age, equity, inclusion and diversity have a different meaning than they did decades ago. But the concepts still have profound meaning today. All people want to be treated fairly, be respected, be accepted and welcomed to participate. And let's not forget, we all want our voices to be heard. That reaches across all diversified lines. Black people have been fighting and marching to level the playing fields for years. That fight has continued. It is a commitment to acceptance in thought and action. In word and in deed.

Today's racial equity and inclusion efforts must see a change. Instead of trying to change some people to fit in, we must focus on transforming things to fit all people. To move toward racial equity, inclusion and diversity, I think culture must prioritize humanity above any and everything else. People desire the ability to live with the pride and dignity of having their histories acknowledged and their life experiences valued.

During Black History Month, let us pause and reflect on our own biases, stereotypes, gaps in knowledge, and relationships across racial difference so that we can be leaders in creating a world system in which equity, inclusion, and diversity are at the forefront. Black History is American History. Black History is National History. Black History is our history.

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