Black History Month: Where Do We Go From Here?
2/1/2021 1:30:00 PM | General, Features
In celebration of Black History Month, Michigan Athletics is considering "Where Do We Go From Here?" Through conversations and profiles with our student-athletes and staff, we will celebrate people and culture, while recognizing our country's history. We introduce the month with thoughts from associate director of development Whitney Tarver.
By Whitney Tarver
In many ways, the ramp-up to Black History Month 2021 feels different. Heavier. There's a greater sense of urgency around it. An increased need for the joy of celebrating the many contributions Black people have made to American culture since the nation's founding. A clamoring for Black stories, music, and art to continue our mass (un)learning. Underdog narratives of triumph are needed now more than ever to help lift our spirits and cleanse our timelines.
But in many ways, it feels the same. While the word "unprecedented" continues to define our current collective state, the word "familiar" could also be used to describe the experience for the Black community. In addition to being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, we are still enthralled in a fight for racial equality, justice, and civil rights. The duality of celebrating and finding joy in the midst of pain, sacrifice and loss is not new to us, and this year is no different. It is within that duality, though, that the strength of our community lies. The ability to find light in the darkest of times; to press forward when every obstacle lies ahead; to continue to speak up when those close to you have been silenced; to keep fighting when bone-weary; to love when experiencing hate; to live, achieve, and prosper amid deep-seated oppression.
That joy has always been and continues to be our greatest form of resistence.Â
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
A poignant question and also the theme of U-M's 2021 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium. To chart the path forward, we all must strive to learn from where and which we came -- a complete history lesson inclusive of the most marginalized people, those who have often been removed from the narrative. Black history IS American history. We must accurately and appropriately credit the life-changing contributions from the Black community in the development of our nation. We must not allow ourselves to become complacent or satisfied with how far we've come, or the achievements of our ancestors will have been made in vain.
Black History Month is, of course, a time to reflect upon our history, a history we know is laden with pain, and to honor the legacies of those who sacrificed so much in the name of progress, but it is also a time to pay homage through joy and celebration. It is a time to amplify the voices that are often talked-over or silenced, a time to acknowledge the achievements and innovation that have been overlooked and undervalued, a time to shout out the trailblazers who paved the way for me and others who look like me.
I hope that the lessons learned from our history and the wisdom of our elders and ancestors inspire us all to find ways to overcome divisions, and I implore you to not confine the spirit and joy of this celebration to the 28 days of February, but to carry them forward as we pave the way for the next generation.
In our "Voices of the Staff" series, we'll learn about nine members of the Michigan Athletic Department staff and what Black history means to them, starting with Whitney Tarver.
Whitney Tarver
Title: Associate Director of Development, Fun Auntie
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia
Q: What kinds of things do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Staying active -- working out, yoga, playing sports and being outside (when the weather is nice).
Q: Why do you think it's important to commemorate Black history?
A: Black history is American history, but it is not often included in our traditional education. Black history is MY history, my family's history, and while it is painful, it is also powerful. I am here because of sacrifices made by my ancestors and that deserves to be celebrated every single day of the year!
Q: Which Black historical figure(s) do you most admire and why?
A: I most admire the Black women who often had to fight against both racism and sexism; who stood beside or behind the men whose names are well known; who excelled even when every possible obstacle stood in her way; whose words and actions inspired generations; the Black women on whose shoulders I currently stand.
Q: A quote from a Black historical figure that resonates with you:
A: "I'm rooting for everybody Black." -- Issa Rae
Q: A song from your Black History Month playlist:
A: "Grindin'" by Clipse (VA!!)
Q: A title from your Black History Month reading list:
A: "Well-Read Black Girl" by Glory Edim
