What are your thoughts on Black History Month?
Black history month is a time for me to investigate things that never were a part of my life. As a black male who was raised by my white single mother, I see things differently.
This is a month for us to look at things that are often avoided, and even things that were purposely omitted.
I am a firm believer that those who do not study history are doomed to repeat it. I truly believe that there is a lot to learn from black history and there are many cautionary tales to follow.
Looking forward to the future, what change would you like see happen regarding Black History?
I would love to see a time where I no longer need to worry about history being repeated, cried about, talked about, forgotten, then ultimately relived.
I would love to see a time where we are one people. I am not naïve enough to believe that there will be 100% equality but, I believe we can meet a much more neutral ground.
I would love the history to be taught in schools in a way that is able to show both the good and the bad without the worry of people being upset about it.
Does Black History Month resonate differently for you this year following the social justice movement and events of 2020?
I think black history means more to me this year for many reasons.
With the recent death of my father there is only black history for me.
I have found so much about my family’s history in recent months that it really makes me more hopeful to be able to dig deeper into where I came from.
Who is one of your heroes or personal inspirations from the Black community?
My Grandfather Elmer Jackson.
He was a Mental health practitioner In St. Louis.
He came to denver to get his degree at CU Denver
When he returned to his hometown, he was working in hospitals cleaning bed pans because of the color of his skin and the time/location
By the time he died they named a building after him at the hospital he worked at
He was the most honest kind person I have ever met without any hate or bitterness in his heart and I can only hope to be half the man he was
Do you have a favorite Black creative that you tell us more about it?
Christopher Brian Bridges (Ludacris) is probably one of the only creatives that comes to mind
His fame is well earned, and he has done so much with his influence for others
He is a class act and works to bring true light to the current issues and the race problem in this country
He has a new movie coming out that is highlighting the relationship between a black man adopting a white kid who was raised as a racist
He is a rare example for kids that is a continuing success and changing with the times
Deckers Careers 