To honor Black History Month 2023, we asked Thrivers what the month means to them and what everyone should know about the Black experience in America. What we heard: representation, power, resistance and love. Below are their thoughts in their own words.
Sashel Madriz
Community Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month to me is an added reminder that I’m supposed to be here. That my ancestors suffered and fought for me to have the rights I currently have. It means I reflect, rejoice and am reminded how beautiful our culture is and how happy I am every day to be part of our history.
Tell us about a moment in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life?
When I was a little girl, I had dreams of becoming a journalist. My biggest inspiration was Oprah Winfrey. Her power and story inspired me to be proud of my background and to prove the haters wrong and that if she could make something of herself, so could I. Then I learned of Nanny of the Maroons, who was a slave woman, who inspired other slaves to be free. A woman in Jamaica (this is where I’m from) during slavery times had voice and the temerity to stand up for what she believed in, and not only to speak but to act. If there were ever a pivotal moment that shaped me, I would say it’s the day I learned about Nanny of the Maroons, who’s now on the Jamaican $500 bill. To me, she’s the definition of Black woman leadership and Black woman power.
Why do organizations like Thrive need to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month?
Being part of a company that doesn’t shy away from what some would deem controversial makes me proud to work for Thrive. To not only acknowledge but celebrate a month dedicated to a minority is amazing. I believe organizations like Thrive should celebrate Black History Month because it makes employees feel included and accepted.
What would you say to Black professionals looking to get into property management?
What’s stopping you? Make your stamp and be a part of an ever-growing, ever-changing environment. This career can set you and your family up for success.
Curate a 3+ song playlist based on a theme of your choosing (and explain the theme) or based on the Black History Month theme: Black Resistance.
My Theme: Diversity/Melting Pot
I appreciate being in the United States because I can always find someone who’s just like me, whether it’s hair culture or the color of skin. Still, I appreciate it most because of the diverse cultural experiences and the lessons we are taught each and every day. No matter what walks of life we hail or what the color of our skin is. It is truly a melting pot of diversity and change. I’m constantly seeking understanding and embracing how to be more empathic. These songs are my mantra. Who Run the World by Beyonce, reminds me that I am woman and I’m powerful. Strong Enough by Stacie Orrico reminds me that I am strength, and last but not least Waymaker by Michael W. Smith reminds me that my God is all powerful and with him all things are possible.
“Who Run the World (Girls)” – Beyonce
“Strong Enough” – Stacie Orrico
“Waymaker” – Michael W. Smith
Nina Logan
Assistant Community Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means hope for my culture and future. It’s a time to reflect and educate each other on our true history and gain an appreciation for the culture that has been lost over time.
Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?
Witnessing Barack Obama become president was definitely a big moment for my personal and work life. I love encouraging my sons to excel in life no matter what hardships they may face or obstacles they have to overcome. Our history has come a long way in such a short amount of time, and I hope that the next generation can continue the movement forward and build hope for even better days to come.
Why do organizations like Thrive need to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month?
Black history built this country, so it’s only right that organizations take the time to celebrate and appreciate what our people have gone through and overcome over the years.
What would you say to Black professionals looking to get into property management?
I would say DO IT! I decided to get into property management to make a difference in how the Black community is treated. The energy felt by fellow brothers and sisters when they can relate to you is unreal and heartwarming, to say the least. It’s important that we represent our culture in any way we can.
Curate a 3+ song playlist based on a theme of your choosing (and explain your theme) or the Black History Month theme: “Black Resistance.”
I chose the Black History Month 2023 theme: Black Resistance
“Read All About It, pt III” – Emeli Sande
“What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
“Break My Soul” – Beyonce
Jannell Jacobson
Marketing Communications Manager
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a profoundly significant time to me. It is an occasion to honor and recognize the strength, creativity and beauty of the Black community. It means acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of extraordinary groups and individuals, who in spite of facing oppressive circumstances, served an inspiring purpose through their skills and talents. It is an appreciation of Black leaders beyond the constructs of slavery and brokenness. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate a people who have endured and overcome tremendous hardships over generations, yet still orchestrated global movements, created beautiful works and existed graciously through it all.
Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life?
One of the most influential moments in Black history for me was when Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid and Eli Harold of the San Francisco 49ers knelt during the national anthem to draw attention to the recent acts of police brutality and racial injustice against Black civilians. This simple action of kneeling stoked the passion and awareness of the public consciousness. It helped spark the resurgence of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and inspired millions, including myself, to be more active and educated on these issues. Years later, we still have a long way to go, but seeing people from all backgrounds come together to protest racial injustice and fuel the fires of lasting change has been truly beautiful.
Why do organizations like Thrive need to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month?
Acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month is a vital part of demonstrating to employees that Black history is not a separate story from history, but instead is a part of history that has too often been overlooked. Done with consideration and mindfulness, celebrating Black History Month can be an educative experience that helps create an atmosphere of respect and anti-racism, in which all staff can prosper. In turn, these lessons and experiences can more easily spread throughout our lives, promoting continued understanding and love.
What would you say to Black professionals looking to get into property management?
I started my property management career as a Leasing Consultant in Capitol Hill and South Lake Union before becoming a Community Manager in Boston, MA. In each location, I found myself filled with bittersweet joy and heartbreak as I saw the relief in Black customers when they came into my office. Often they’d express exhaustion from not seeing anyone Black or POC in the leasing offices or as residents. Historically, the Black community has struggled with finding housing and continues to face discrimination, so it means so much to me that I could be that familiar face and show them “Yes, you do belong here too!” Black colleagues have shared similar experiences with me; we all feel it’s wonderful to represent your culture and be an agent for change. That feeling continues in my current role as well.
Curate a 3+ song playlist based on a theme of your choosing (and explain your theme) or the Black History Month theme: “Black Resistance.”
With Valentine’s Day also falling in February, I decided my theme would be “Black Love.” Love is a language that each of us interprets and expresses differently. When we add in “blackness,” love can take on a special strength inherited through generations of hardship and shaped by our values and individual perspectives.
“Brown Skin” – India Arie
“Naked” – Ella Mai
“Icarus” – Aaron Taylor