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Black History / Our History

8 min read
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Media.Monks

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At Media.Monks, we’re excited to celebrate and recognize Black History Month. Throughout the month we’ll be highlighting our resource groups and incredible employee base in their efforts to celebrate Black history and the incomparable impact of the Black community.

On Feb. 7, 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black Americans initiated Negro History Week to recognize the contribution and central role of countless Black men and women in U.S. history. Today, the United States and Canada observe February (in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland, October) as Black History Month: a time to commemorate, celebrate and honor the African diaspora and African American history. Our history.

Black History Month is a time to look back on a history that affects—and was affected by—all of us. A time to remember and honor the people who have gone before us, to recognize the progress that’s been made in the ongoing struggle for racial justice—and to educate ourselves on all that is left to do.

At Media.Monks we operate under people-centric values that empower our employees to build, innovate and work together as one team—where everyone belongs and everyone has a voice.  For us, treating people as they want to be treated, encouraging others to raise their voices and working together to complement our differences fosters an environment where everyone feels that they belong. To that end, we support our employees in creating employee resource groups (ERGs) that recognize and celebrate our unique identities and affinities and create space for employees to celebrate and share common life experiences. Our ERGs have an unparalleled impact and make up the fabric of our company's culture. S4 Melanin is one such group, providing a space for exploring and understanding the Black diaspora while offering support and mentorship to our Black workforce.

In recognition of Black History Month, members of our DEI Team, in conjunction with S4 Melanin, have come together to reflect on the continuing history of Black excellence.

Naana Orleans-Amissah headshot

Naana Orleans-Amissah

London, United Kingdom

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 1 year and 8 days

My role: I head up Brand and Creative Strategy in London. My ambition is to fuel great award-winning work by using strategies that provide brands with distinct ideas rooted in culture.

What Black History Month means to me:

BHM is a time to visibly and unapologetically celebrate being here together with other Black people across all countries and cultures; remembering that we are often our forebears' wildest dreams and remembering to thrive in pride.

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me the most: 

Zora Neale Hurston’s collecting the oral histories and the musicality and depth of the speech of African American people—specifically her posthumously published Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”—which ties the Black Atlantic (continent in relief) together.

I am inspired by:

Yaa Asantewaa. And also James Baldwin.

Monk Thoughts Black History Month is remembering that we are often our forebears' wildest dreams and remembering to thrive in pride.
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Renee S. Ingram 

Portland, Oregon

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 1 year and 7 months

My role: Account Coordinator

What Black History Month means to me:

What Black History Month means to me is a continued celebration and acknowledgment of Black people's excellence in spite of circumstance. 

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me the most:

The election of Former President Barack Obama. Shortly after his inauguration, I was inspired to run for student government and became class president.

I am inspired by:

Malcolm X.

Monk Thoughts What Black History Month means to me is a continued celebration and acknowledgment of Black people's excellence in spite of circumstance.
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Tamika Johnson

Los Angeles, California

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 1 year and 2 months

My role: I am the Senior Human Resources Business Partner for MediaMonks LA and Co-Leader of S4 Melanin ERG group. As Senior HR Business Partner, I consult with the business’s staff, leadership, and management in order to foster and promote the engagement of our core values at all levels. I also assist management and leadership in resolving employee relation issues, conducting effective investigations, and recommending action for sensitive and complex situations. I coach departmental heads and management in performance management processes, compensation and remuneration programs, recruitment practices, and management decision-making. Another aspect of my role is being involved in DE&I at Media.Monks, as co-leader of S4 Melanin. Our goal is to bring Diversity and Cultural Awareness to the organization.

What Black History Month means to me:

It's not just a month. Every day I celebrate Black history, from traditions at home in the kitchen to having a voice at work with my colleagues. Black history means legacy.

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me the most:

Seeing Barack Obama serve two terms in the White House, then Michelle Obama take a prominent role in continuing the legacy and progress of Black people.

I am inspired by:

Maya Angelou. "We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

Monk Thoughts It's not just a month but every day I celebrate Black history from traditions at home in the kitchen to having a voice at work with my colleagues. Black History means legacy.
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Jordan McNairy

New York City, New York

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 1 year 4 months 

My role: I am a Content Marketing Manager helping with all things Social Innovation Lab/Social.Monks content—including white papers, social digest/bites, and the SIL podcast (you should give it a listen ?).

What Black History Month means to me:

BHM is a time to reflect on our Black history as Americans because, remember, Black history is American history. It’s an important time to be more intentional about learning about past accomplishments and the ones that sacrificed everything in order to pave the way. Also, over the last few years I have used BHM as a time to become more conscious of where I am spending my money throughout the year. Black businesses are everywhere, are amazing, and deserve support year-round. 

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me the most:

The Great Black Migration is a moment in Black history that sticks out. During this time, six million Black citizens left the rural south for coastal areas and the midwest. This included my grandparents who packed up everything they had and moved with four children to Washington state. This meant leaving everything they knew socially and economically behind in search of a better life with more opportunity. Being that they were in their mid-20s, I can’t imagine the courage that must have taken. 

I am inspired by:

SO MANY! But in terms of personal inspiration, Mumia Abu Jamal. His influence in radio journalism has fueled my interest in podcasting, writing and social activism. If you’re unfamiliar, I recommend watching Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary, his life story leaves me absolutely speechless.

Monk Thoughts It's an important time to be more intentional about learning about past accomplishments and the ones that sacrificed everything in order to pave the way.
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Jonathan Colquitt

Pasadena, California

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 1 year and 4 months

My role: I work as a producer at Media.Monks and have helped manage digital assets for a highly trafficked platform for the past year. I have recently taken on new work in project management for a large client initiative.

What Black History Month means to me:

Black History Month means celebrating the successes of our community and ancestors. It is a time when we are reminded of our greatness but also of all the efforts of Black leaders that allow us to continue to build today.

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me:

A moment in Black history that influenced my career/life was George Floyd's murder and the events that took place after it. It was a time when I was reminded how short life is and the importance of enjoying life and setting boundaries. It also reminded me of all the work that still needs to be done in educating people that Black individuals are human, relatable and capable—just as any other ethnicity. 

I am inspired by:

I would say that any and all Black individuals in positions of power past and present continue to be my inspiration. I hope to continue to add to their successes and someday inspire others to continue to strive for excellence as a community.

Monk Thoughts Black History Month means celebrating the successes of our community and ancestors.
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Aaron Pitre

Seattle, Washington

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 10 months

My role: I am a Senior Copywriter on our PayPal team. My squad specializes in consumer marketing.

What Black History Month means to me:

As a Black American, Black History Month means celebrating a beautiful people with a rich history, heritage and culture; recognition of the invaluable contributions that Black people have made to America for over 400 years and remembrance of our journey to the present moment. 

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me:

When I first learned about the Underground Railroad, it had a profound effect on me. I was filled with a sense of wonder and pride in learning about this highly complex network created to liberate the enslaved from bondage. I loved learning about the coded messaging hidden the lyrics of Negro spirituals and the patterns sewn into quilts, the safe houses that were stops along the way to free states, and central figures such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass and Lewis Hayden who put their lives on the line in the name of freedom. 

I am inspired by:

I am inspired every day by the life and works of James Baldwin. Among many things, he had a crystal-clear understanding of power, race and sexuality, and a fierce devotion to the truth. To this day, he remains a reference—and a guiding light—for many of us.

Monk Thoughts Black History Month means celebrating a beautiful people with a rich history, heritage, and culture; recognition of the invaluable contributions that Black people have made...and remembrance of our journey to the present moment.
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Mamou Kilambi-Mbakwe headshot

Mamou Kilambi-Mbakwe

San Francisco Bay Area

I’ve been with Media.Monks for: 5 years

My role: I am the Global Senior Social Media and Community Manager. I represent Media.Monks externally and help celebrate and amplify all things Media.Monks. That includes sharing company updates, company culture, award wins, project launches, employee wins and appreciations.

What Black History Month means to me:

My mom always said you have to know where you come from to get to where you're going. Black History Month is that: knowing and understanding histories past to be able to pay homage to those who came before us, learn lessons from their stories, and have inspiration for the future. BHM is education for everyone, and not just folks who identify as Black. 

A moment in Black history that has influenced or shaped me the most:

Barack Obama became the president of the United States. I was in high school—it was my senior year—and I will always remember that moment. My parents even let me stay home from school to watch his inauguration. It showed me that even in places where we may feel like we don't belong, we can still have a place. Hard work and determination can open doors that you once thought would remain closed forever. 

I am inspired by:

Issa Rae for highlighting the multitude of Black experiences on her show Insecure. We aren't just one thing, and she captured that effortlessly.

Monk Thoughts Black History Month means knowing and understanding histories past to be able to pay homage to those who came before us, learn lessons from their stories, and have inspiration for the future.
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We’re excited to share more from our incredible employees and resource groups in the weeks and months to come. Black History is Our History.

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The website has been translated to English with the help of Humans and AI

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