Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the experiences and celebrate the work of our team here at Ellevation. However, we know that Black history should be honored and celebrated year round, and are grateful to the individuals at Ellevation who work continuously to drive that work forward.

We're excited to feature co-leads - Raven Wilson and De'Andrea Harrington - of our Employee Resource Group (ERG) B-ELL (Black @ Ellevation). B-ELL is dedicated to fostering a culture of belonging and advancement for Black employees. Their mission is to empower and uplift Black voices, experiences, and contributions within our organization, while actively promoting diversity, equity, and representation at all levels.

We asked them a few questions about their experiences; thank you B-ELL co-leads for sharing! 

What is an aspect of Black history that you wish more people knew?

That Black History Month is a crucial moment to acknowledge and affirm the rich diversity and cultural heritage within the Black community and to work towards greater equality and justice for all.

Reflecting on the impact of historical events, what lessons from Black history do you think are particularly relevant for today's generation?

"Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble," - John Lewis. 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

I truly believe that Black history should be celebrated throughout the year! What I love most about Black History Month though is having the designated time to bring awareness to lesser-known figures and events in Black history. These stories of perseverance, leadership, and social change can inspire and empower people from all walks of life. It's great to have the opportunity to highlight the contributions of Black individuals in American society and on a global scale.

Reflecting on your personal experiences, can you share a moment where you felt a strong connection to Black history, and how did it shape your perspective?

Growing up my parents were adamant about my sister and I learning about Black history outside the scope our school taught us. We would each get to pick a person to research and then present to the family what we learned. It was amazing to learn about everyday people who had an idea, a spark, a fight that they nurtured. And to think that their contributions were so great that they impacted our lives today.