29 Feb Celebrating Black History Month: Spotlight on RMHC Bay Area Team Member, Shyaun Brown
At RMHC Bay Area, every staff member plays a crucial role in creating a nurturing environment for families facing challenging times. Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are the foundation to our strategy and are part of our core values as an organization.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re honored to spotlight Shyaun, a dedicated Guest Service Associate at our Oakland House.
Shyaun’s role goes beyond providing essential services; she serves as a connection point for families from all backgrounds. As a front-line team member, having a warm demeanor and unwavering support create a sense of comfort and belonging for all families who walk through our doors.
When asked about the significance of Black History Month, Shyaun shares her perspective.
Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?
“I think there are several reasons why we should celebrate Black History Month, including ensuring recognition and representation, fostering understanding of our story, celebrating equality, social justice, inspiration, and empowerment, as well as embracing diversity and inclusion.
Black History Month sheds light on the experiences of Black people, including their contributions to culture, science, politics, and social movements. Black history is essential to addressing systemic inequalities and injustices that persist today. It helps to contextualize current social, economic, and political issues and fosters empathy, understanding, and action toward a more equitable society. ”
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Black History beyond February?
“Recognizing Black history beyond February helps to keep issues of racial inequality at the forefront of public consciousness and encourages ongoing dialogue and action to address them. Black history is an integral part of global history and should be recognized and celebrated throughout the year, not just during a designated month. Recognizing the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Black individuals and communities should be an ongoing commitment. Systemic racism and discrimination persist year-round and require sustained efforts to dismantle.”
As we honor Black History Month, we extend gratitude to Shyaun and all individuals who continue to champion equity, justice, and inclusion. Their contributions shape not only our present but also our collective future. Shyaun’s background and experiences have uniquely equipped her to empathize with families from diverse backgrounds, making her an invaluable asset to our team.