February is typically a month of focus on Black history. What does this mean to you?
The League of Women Voters (LWV) acknowledges that Black history is inextricably linked to the voting rights movement, while openly confronting its own historical failures in inclusivity. Although early suffragists sometimes excluded women of color to gain political support, today the League focuses on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, celebrating Black leaders like Ida B. Wells, and fighting modern voter suppression. These DEI policies are one way to correct past injustices and to combat racial gerrymandering and restrictive voting laws that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities.
The League highlights the pivotal roles of Black women in securing voting rights, from historical figures like Ida B. Wells to modern advocates like Stacey Abrams. We honor activists, including those involved in “Bloody Sunday,” who fought against voter suppression. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, was a member of her local Brooklyn, NY League of Women Voters. The League emphasizes that defending voting rights is a continuous, year-round effort that requires dismantling systemic racism in the electoral process. (Source: LWV.org)
As an older white woman, I can speak to my own experiences in doing business with and knowing African Americans and friends of color. In the past and even now, I advocate for their voices to be heard in my circles of influence. If my Black friend is hurt by something, it hurts me. It hurts all of us. I want to stand up with them to influence positive change. If my actions hurt someone, I want to do something about that to fix it.
Over the years, I have been a part of several non-profit organizations and a few government commissions. My experiences over time influence my decision-making skills and thought processes today. We each “lead” something, whether it’s in family conversation, at work, in the community, or at church. There are many examples of how we each lead, wherever we are, in a way that can be a positive influence for those around us and beyond.
When I first started working at a local bank, I did not notice that all of my co-workers were white. In my extended network at the bank, there were no Black people holding high level positions of authority and there were very few women in those positions. Nowadays, it is more typical to see Brown and Black people and women in key roles. People who lead from or through these roles are able to share their input, to convey points of view not known to the rest of those of us “at the table.” This is how policies at many different levels have evolved, have changed over the years, and continue to govern actions between us as a people. By sharing our experiences, our thoughts, and our history, we can have meaningful and peaceful dialogue. This often segues into new, revised individual behaviors, which in turn can impact our lives (and people with whom we are in contact) at home, at work, in our local community, and more.
Knowing black history and celebrating it, “doing something” about it, is a lifelong journey. Sort of like brushing your teeth or ;combing your hair, it’s not a one and done thing. It’s a forever part of our thoughts and actions as we live each day to fulfill our purpose on earth, while we’re here.
Celebrate Black history by sharing your own stories? Would love to hear from you!
Nita Black
February 2026
