Young Black Oregonians reflect on legacy, role models & community during Black History and Futures Month
Celebrating black history and futures month
Melissa
Photo of Melissa
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I believe that establishing lasting memories through positive encounters helps to build on my legacy of cultivating relationships. As the child of immigrant parents, I aim to honor their hard work and dedication, while also emphasizing the value of relationships to create my own legacy.”
Who is a Black historical figure or contemporary role model who inspires you and why?
“My older brother, Yvan Kate, is my role model because he embodies courage, kindness, and determination, chasing goals despite all circumstances. His contagious optimism and readiness to take on new tasks while exuding positive energy makes him not just admired, but also an inspiration to myself and others around him.”
VIVIAN
Photo of Vivian
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I would like to leave behind a legacy of foundation for the Black students at my school. After spending 3 years cementing the role of the Black Student Union, I hope for our work to continue after I graduate. I want to ensure my work and compassion through the Black Student Union lives on past me and my peers.”
Who is a Black historical figure or contemporary role model who inspires you and why?
“I aspire Jackie Robinson. Aside from Baseball, he was committed to civil rights where one of his most well known contribution was his Jazz picnics. This space allowed for Black activists to come together and show their humanity as individuals.”
Are there any community initiatives or projects you've been involved in that you're passionate about?
“I am passionate about youth activism through my school. One of my most proud achievements is the Black Student Union. We have been able to grow from a 3-member club to a 20+ member club.
We have been able to connect with state-wide organizations and have been part of multiple district/staff committees where we shared our experiences as Black students. This ultimately resulted in our school restructuring their framework regarding punishment and decision-making as student voice as been becoming a key factor in the process.
Our Instagram is @centennial_bsu”
Shaymaa
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I want to be known as not only an activist, but also as someone who people can rely on. It's extremely important for me to get my point across and I want to be voices for people who maybe aren't able to speak up themselves.”
Who is a Black historical figure or contemporary role model who inspires you and why?
“I love Maya Angelou because her poetry and activism reach to me on a personal level. The work that she's done has always come back to me one way or another and It reminds me of what I like to be doing, similarly.”
Are there any community initiatives or projects you've been involved in that you're passionate about?
“I've volunteered for fundraisers with other programs I'm in that allow youth to be able to go back to their home country, and it's really inspiring. Even some of my friends have signed up to go and being able to have helped even a little makes me feel happy for them.”
Camden
Photo of Camden
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“In the future, I hope to be a science teacher that actively promotes inclusion, equity, and diversity. In addition, I want to showcase acadrmic and professional access to STEM opportunities for historically underrepresented communities (including BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community, and those who are disabled).”
Who is a Black historical figure or contemporary role model who inspires you and why?
“Brandon Kazen-Maddox is a Queer, Black GODA (Grandchild of Deaf Adults), activist, and artist who seamlessly blends accessibility, inclusion, and art. They aim to emphasize the importance of marginalized voices through creative storytelling through their nonprofit, Up Until Now Collective.”
Are there any community initiatives or projects you've been involved in that you're passionate about?
“I blog about my journey as a Biology student a lot, @cellmeaboutit and cellmeaboutit.wordpress.com.”
Nathaniel
Photo of Nathaniel
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
“I want to leave behind a legacy of growth and positive change for my community and me as a person. I want to help create new opportunities ,and the opportunities that we already have, to be more accessible.”
Who is a Black historical figure or contemporary role model who inspires you and why?
“I love Jean Michel Basquiat because of the legacy he left behind. He was a monumental figure in the graffiti and modern art world.”
Are there any community initiatives or projects you've been involved in that you're passionate about?
“@_nathaniel.tf I am passionate about policy work, my time in speech and debate, public health, my internship with the PHCLA program, and environmental services, my internship with Metro Regional Government.”
