By Jalen Webber
It’s Black History Month, a time when we celebrate, reflect on, and honor the legacy of Black heroes in America. Although I am grateful for this month—a month that gives Black/African Americans the recognition they rightfully deserve—I constantly ask myself: Why should these stories and contributions be confined to only one month?
When I was growing up in the public school system, February was filled with repeated lessons about a handful of heroes, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Although these influential individuals deserve recognition, the limited lessons began to feel diluted over time. I often felt there wasn’t much depth in what we were being taught and that we were losing the richness of Black history.
I wanted to know more about the complexities of these influential pioneers and the immense struggles they faced personally and within a powerful system meant to silence their voices and rights. I also wanted to know about the countless other heroes, artists, inventors, and leaders who have shaped our nation and culture—the unsung heroes. There is more to Black history than a few names and movements. There’s a whole world of history, and we too often only barely scratch the surface.
Jalen with his grandfather (left), and with his grandmother (right) at high school graduation. (Photos courtesy of Jalen Webber)
Black history isn’t just a subject or a month to me; it’s my identity, life, and journey. I often find myself reflecting on my younger self and how the world around me and the people in my life have contributed to shaping me into the person I am today.
One of the greatest influences on my life has been my grandparents, who stand as the pillars of my family. As young adults, they left everything they knew in Eritrea in search of safety after a war began. They arrived in the United States not speaking the language, with nothing but one another and their children.
My mother was an infant when they arrived, but through hard work and perseverance, my grandparents built a new life for their family. They learned, adapted, and fought through adversity to create opportunities for their children. They often held more than two jobs at once and made sure their children had the education and resources needed to succeed.
Their resilience continues to inspire and motivate me, and reminds me to navigate my path with purpose and pride in who I am and where I come from. My grandparents are huge heroes in my life, and their story is so important to me.
Black history isn’t just a subject or a month to me; it’s my identity, life, and journey.
During my sophomore year of high school, I remember attending a Black History Month assembly where a peer of mine gave a presentation of Black heroes that have gone unnoticed throughout history. After the presentation, I realized that many historical events, leaders, and activists have been overlooked, even though their impact was transformative.
Even in college, I took science and art history courses but never learned about Black heroes who have made incredible contributions and would’ve meant a lot to me. For example, heroes like Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of early space missions, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, a groundbreaking artist of the 1980s whose graffiti-inspired work challenged social norms.
At Degrees of Change, we value diverse perspectives and uplift underrepresented voices year-round. Being part of this community has shown me how vital these stories are in creating impact and fostering growth, and how important it is to celebrate them. It’s not just about inclusion; it’s about honoring the truth, amplifying untold stories, and giving proper recognition to those who have been overlooked.
Young Jalen riding his bike. (Photo courtesy of Jalen Webber)
Other Black heroes that mean a lot to me include Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender activist who fearlessly fought for LGBTQ+ rights during the Stonewall uprising, and Robert Smalls, an enslaved man who seized a Confederate ship to secure freedom for himself and others before serving in Congress. Their stories, though often overlooked, embody resilience, courage, and the fight for justice—proving why recognition should never be limited to just one month.
Real change begins with small, everyday actions: Supporting Black-owned businesses, amplifying Black voices, and educating ourselves and others on Black history, culture, and social issues. By engaging in this way, we deepen our connection and understanding of Black experiences, contributions, and the ongoing fight for equity, shifting it from a lesson into a shared experience that enriches everyone.
I deeply appreciate Black History Month and think we can do so much more with it. It serves as a moment to reflect on the importance of sharing our stories and honoring those who built our paths and paved the way for our success. Their stories are powerful and transcend time.
Jalen Webber is a senior at the University of Washington Bothell, pursuing a degree in marketing and finance. He is currently a communications intern at Degrees of Change, applying his passion for communication and skills in marketing to create engaging content. Looking forward to contributing to the team, he aims to help in a meaningful way.
Featured image: Baby Jalen with his grandparents in front of the first house they purchased in the U.S. (Photo courtesy of Jalen Webber)
Sign up for our eNews to learn more about our students, alumni, and programs.
Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or Facebook for weekly photos and videos!