As we celebrate the achievements of the African American community during Black History Month, Cubic employees are sharing their stories and reflections on what the month means to them.
For Cubic leader Chris Wortmann, “Black History Month represents an opportunity to focus our appreciation and recognition of Black individuals who contributed to or sacrificed for the advancement of Black people in the U.S. It is not necessarily limited to those who are acknowledged in our history books, it also applies to those we know in our personal lives who may have aided us as individuals through our own challenges and struggles.”
Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) leader Preston Bynes shared, “Black History Month allows me to think about those pioneers – Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, George Washington Carver, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Malcom X and a ton of others – who took risks to make America a better place for Blacks, women and others. That is what Black History Month means to me. The risk they took to make America better.”
Cubic Defense leader Sylvia Zachary views history as a reflection of the legacy and messages for the world. That may be through words, actions or ideas that have carried on for generations.
“My family legacy highlights a generational artform – the Sweetgrass Basket from Mount Pleasant South Carolina. Enslaved people made baskets as farm tools to harvest rice and now these baskets are sold as beautiful pieces of art – a celebration of my family’s history!” Zachary said.
Fostering inspiration for future generations, Byron Ellis from CTS shared some words of advice.
“Know that imposter syndrome is a real thing among Black professionals as I have experienced it myself, but it can be overcome. Your uniqueness is a competitive advantage, so use it. As long as you continue to educate yourself in your current field, your confidence will build and the sky is always the limit,” Ellis said.
Renee Doucette of CTS added, “Be patient with yourself and others; we will not all achieve and experience at the same rate. Blaze your path and trust your instincts!”
Black History Month is also a time to reflect on how we can support Black communities. For KeAsha Rogers of Cubic Defense that means “sharing hard-earned wisdom with others through my participation with the MAANA Alliance Employee Resource Group (ERG). MAANA Alliance is the ERG for CUBES who identify with the African diaspora and allies, and its members range from interns to executives. I believe our identities run deep and it’s important to celebrate our shared experiences, because it plays an important part in one’s sense of belonging and creating community.”
Ellis added that “investing in black communities financially and with time is key to improving them. In the past, I have mentored high school students on career, financial and college advice. Also, in my day to day, I make a conscious effort to spend money on Black-owned businesses, products and services.”
Beyond Black History Month’s reflections of the legacies of the past, Zachary encourages everyone to create their own for the future.
I challenge each one of us to look into the mirror and examine our legacy to the world. Does your reflection include encouraging someone or making a positive impact? If not, ask yourself what you can do differently. Sylvia Zachary, Cubic Mission and Performance Solutions.