To celebrate Black History Month, our FlyBlack ERG and Women of Flywire ERG got together and hosted a monthly meeting to discuss what Black History Month means to us, allyship and more. We also reached out to FlyMates to ask them the same questions. Here’s what they had to say.
What do you look forward to during Black History Month?
Sharing experiences, learning from others and promoting education and understanding. -Jim Garrant Director, Client Advocacy and Associations - Education, Boston, MA
I like learning about different aspects of Black culture and the lived experiences of my colleagues. Black History Month brings this into sharper focus. -Therese Giambona - Head of Payables - US Remote
Celebrating Black heroes, learning more about Black history, enhancing awareness (including my own). -Dave O’Brien, Director EDU Partnerships, Boston
Learning about and supporting Black current events, history, cultures, and contributions to the global landscape. -Nichole Souther, Compliance Operations Manager, Boston
Appreciation for Black culture and its immense influence on the world. -Labot Pinkney, Sr. Deployment Consultant, Atlanta, GA
What does Black History Month mean to you?
An opportunity to open channels of communication. -Jim Garrant Director, Client Advocacy and Associations - Education, Boston, MA
Black History Month helps me to reflect and refocus on topics impacting our communities. -Therese Giambona - Head of Payables - US Remote
It's a time to look at our past, present, and future, in an honest & public way. Where do inequalities still exist? The history is important so we don't repeat our mistakes. Present and future: how do we, how do I, make our society better and ensure opportunities and support for people of color. -Dave O’Brien, Director EDU Partnerships, Boston
While this should be everyday, Black History Month gives us a special opportunity to enhance focus on the Black experience. The Black experience is continually undermined and disregarded even with the impacts of doing so very visible, even up to the recent and devastating lynching of Tyre Nichols. Black History Month gives us a crucial meet point to provide a safe space for our Black employees, organize on how to better organize support for our Black neighbors, and continue to educate ourselves on the history and context of Black contributions globally. -Nichole Souther, Compliance Operations Manager, Boston, MA
A chance to connect with my heritage and others like me. -Akil Hollis, Vice President, San Leandro
This is an incredible opportunity to elevate and emphasize the great contributions and achievements of African-Americans, which is a major source of inspiration and has a profound impact on our society. -Labot Pinkney, Sr. Deployment Consultant, Atlanta, GA
Are there any Black individuals that inspire you that you would like to share with FlyMates?
Belle da Costa Greene (personal librarian to JP Morgan). -Therese Giambona - Head of Payables - US Remote
Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama. -Dave O’Brien, Director EDU Partnerships, Boston
Probably not too many individuals that aren't already well known. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley continues to inspire me, especially with her most recent presentations heading Abortion-protection initiatives. -Nichole Souther, Compliance Operations Manager, Boston, MA
Christopher Williams. -Akil Hollis, Vice President, San Leandro
Why did you decide to join FlyBlack?
I feel like I'm in a position to help others feel comfortable asking (sometimes difficult) questions, to offer a different perspective than most, and at many places I've been at, I asked myself, 'if not me, who?'. I want to be approachable and available to all FlyMates, but FlyBlack offers a unique avenue for FlyMates of Color and I wanted to be a part of it. -Jim Garrant Director, Client Advocacy and Associations - Education, Boston, MA
We discuss interesting topics and I enjoy the people. -Therese Giambona - Head of Payables - US Remote
I'm white but have been blessed to have a very diverse friend circle that has become my family since I moved to Boston when I was 18. I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to support them. -Nichole Souther, Compliance Operations Manager, Boston, MA