Celebrating Black History Month – An Interview with East Carolina University Student Kennedy Smith
By: Jaclyn Carr
Black History Month, celebrated throughout the entire month of February, has been a key observational month since 1976. This month is acknowledged in schools and communities across the America, and highlights accomplishments such as abolition and key aspects of the Civil Rights Movement. Although it highlights accomplishments, Black History Month also emphasizes the need of racial equality and economic justice for all people. Empower East’s vision – to have a healthy community where people can be equally who they are, and stand for what they believe, without reprove – means advocating for marginalized groups, particularly those among the BIPOC population. This, in turn, means understanding black culture, its history, and legacy, which is key to understanding the long-time oppression and solidarity surrounding this community. Recognizing these issues is necessary to develop an equitable society for all.
Kennedy Smith is a current student at East Carolina University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. As a contribution to Black History Month, she will be sharing her thoughts on what it means to her. Kennedy has also shared some insight of her thoughts on mental health as well as how others can support people of color. Kennedy has continued to be a strong advocate for people of color, and hopes her insight will inspire others to advocate for equality and speak on what they believe in.
Hi Kennedy, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Could you share what Black History Month means to you?
“To me, Black History Month is the celebration of heroic African American men and women, and the major impacts they have made in history for people of color. Because of these individuals America has progressed tremendously in terms of equality, as we would not be where we are at in the world today, without them.”
Do you feel there is equality in today’s society?
“We have come a long way from where equal rights used to be, but in the grand scheme of things, no, I don’t feel like there is enough equality. This is especially true when it comes to the difference in sentencing for crimes. In many instances, I have seen people of color suffer much harsher consequences that their white counterparts. This inequality is also seen in how we treat those who protest for equality, and that they have portrayed us as violent, compared to other protests that do not predominantly consist of people of color.”
Are there any black public figures who have spoken about mental health that inspire you?
“David Goggins, the author of “Can’t Hurt Me”, has inspired me in so many ways. Through his writing, he explains that the strength our minds can have is endless. He expresses that it does not matter how strong you are physically; if you have a strong mindset, you can accomplish anything.”
Do you have experience with mental health? What is the best approach to mental health in your culture and how do you feel about it?
“Yes, I do have experience with mental health. In black culture, there really isn’t any solution to mental health conditions because it is not something that is often discussed among black families. Many African American families believe it is taboo, but personally I have chosen therapy and physical activity as an outlet when I find myself struggling with my mental health. It makes me sad that it is not discussed among black families because there are people among my race that commit to bad tendencies, or even worse, commit suicide, because they feel it is their only way out.”
What would you like individuals, who are not people of color, to know about your culture?
“One of the biggest things that I want other races and cultures to know about us is that we are not a threat to others. We are people too. Just like everyone else, we want to be understood and respected, especially when it comes to our culture.”
In what way do you feel you have impacted the community and/or other people of color?
“There are two specific ways that I feel I have impacted the black community. I created an organization called the North Carolina Young People’s Alliance, on ECU’s campus. As a black female I was able to get other minority students to pay attention to the importance of voting and making sure that their opinions are heard.
I have also recently developed an organization on ECU’s campus called Black Female Future Attorney’s, that can be found at other college campuses across the country. BFFA is meant for black and minority females that want to have a safe space to work together and discuss important topics that are prevalent in today’s society. It is also an opportunity to come together based on the similarities of wanting to work in law.”
In what ways would you like those who are not people of color to celebrate Black History Month?
“One of the best ways to celebrate Black History is to become education on why historically important African Americans sacrificed and fought the way they did. Along with finding this understanding, you can also celebrate by supporting black businesses in your local community. If you are unable to purchase anything, posting and promoting black businesses on social media is another way to support people of color.”
Resources:
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Ways to show support:
https://naacp.org/
https://blacklivesmatter.com/
https://www.sentencingproject.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga30_A9pk6BcVbY3NjHwmOjzvgp4htsGfV-nwjVZXQhtyYGVTCbCVjsaAovgEALw_wcB
