As we commemorate Black Heritage Month, it is important to reflect not only on the struggles and triumphs of the past but also to address the challenges of the present. By taking action to improve our present, Black Heritage Month offers an opportunity to continue to inspire our community to work towards a brighter future for the next generation. As I contemplate the path forward, three impactful considerations come to mind as vital guideposts for our collective journey.
Supporting the young members of our community In the journey towards progress, education plays a pivotal role. There are several mentorship and scholarship opportunities available for Black students that can support their education. We can all do our part in helping young members of our community seek opportunities that support their educational goals. Taking advantage of these opportunities can offset the cost of education and facilitate access to mentors that can help them successfully through their academic journey.
AT&T, for example, offers mentorship and monetary support to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the Rising Future Makers program. In 2023, the program awarded $5,000 to 25 Black students from across the country. Additionally, many nonprofit organizations like The NETwork, AT&T’s Black employee resource group, also offer mentorship and financial support to college students. The NETwork Scholarship Program has awarded more than $200,000 to 90 students since 2011. Last year, it awarded 10 deserving Black students $2,500 each. Empowering young members of our community to explore scholarship opportunities like these is crucial in fostering education equity and provide them with the resources and support need to unlock their full potential.
Establishing a strong network Having a strong support system is the cornerstone of success. In times of challenge, it provides the motivation to persevere, and during moments of triumph, it amplifies the joy of achievement. Surrounding yourself with a network of encouragement, guidance and trust nurtures personal growth. I joined The NETwork in 1996 looking to connect with other Black professionals in my community. Today, as president of the Houston Chapter my goal is to create an environment where Black professionals feel supported to continue to work towards achieving their goals – we call this “Lift & Climb”. We do this by providing our members with access to professional and personal development opportunities and by coming together to give back to our community. We know that access to job opportunities, career advancement, and economic mobility are all tied to someone’s access to digital resources.
