Black History Month represents a necessary exploration of the central role of black life in American history and culture. This month reinforces the fact that America is made up of diverse stories from diverse communities, not a singular narrative. All month long we will be featuring special interviews from StockX team members, cultural influencers, and others describing what Black History Month means to them. We’re excited to celebrate this month with all of you.
StockX Team Members Talk Black History Month
To celebrate Black History Month at StockX, we asked our team members to share what Black History Month has meant to them. The responses were overwhelming. Beginning today and continuing weekly for the rest of the month, we are proud to share what Black History Month means to everyone at StockX.
Squid, Customer Service, Detroit
“Black History Month is important so people everywhere in the world can really know our history, from slavery, segregation, to now. It’s important to learn about people that are doing so many great things, like being entrepreneurs and owning your own business. Black History Month is important because it shows the rest of the world that there isn’t one way or one story to our history. It taught me a lot, beginning when I was little, that I could do anything I wanted, you know what I’m saying?”
Check out Squid’s full interview here.
Amie, Customer Service, Detroit
“Every February I see a different type of spirit coming from everybody. The spirit will be in music, it can be in art, it can even be in the stores. Just walking down the street, you can feel it. It doesn’t matter what it is or where it is, but I feel like when February hits the spirit is just different and everybody feels it. People acknowledge it by being more open about everything that’s happened in the past and talking about how our history and culture and has shaped what’s going on today.”
Check out Amie’s full interview here.
Miranda, People and Culture, Detroit
“It’s inspiring because so many movements, large or small, start with a small action or a small group of people taking action. With everything going on in the world right now, it really matters that you vocalize how you feel and support others to help make a change, no matter how small it might seem. There’s so much work to do, and everyone has their own spaces in which they can do their work. I know that we each have our limitations, but I hope to contribute my voice to those others doing important work around me.”
Check out Miranda’s full interview here.
Renee, Quality Assurance Engineer, Detroit
“Black History Month has taught me the power of storytelling. Years of learning black history have formed the foundation of my racial identity and colored my perception of what it means to be black in America. There is a powerful effect in telling the stories of inventions, accomplishments, political movements, and contributions to society black Americans have made for hundreds of years. This inspires me to put no limits on my life as a black woman and what I can accomplish.”
Check out Renee’s full interview here.
Malcolm, Sneaker Authenticator, New Jersey
“Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Pharrell, Virgil, Aleali May, etc. are the creators of some of the most sought after items on StockX. African American culture and history have informed sneaker culture so much. It’s because of the work by these people, and many others, that StockX is able to do what it does. It’s important to honor contemporary black leaders along with our ancestors.”
Check out Malcolm’s full interview here.
Ryan, Sneaker Authenticator, Tempe
“Black History Month is beautiful now and has been since the time it was created, but in the future, Black History Month will be a testament to how far we’ve come as a society, and I think we are still heading towards a brighter future. The legacy of Black History Month shows where we came from, how we can still make change, and how we’ll evolve.”
Check out Ryan’s full interview here.
Matese, Product Designer, Detroit
“Black history—not just the month—inspires me because it has taught me that no matter the circumstances or obstacles, I can do anything. Black history has taught me perseverance and given me confidence. Seeing someone that looks like you going out and winning, no matter what, is inspiring and pushes me to be better constantly.”
Check out Matese’s full interview here.
Brittany, Software Engineer, Detroit
“In a perfect world, black history would be celebrated and discussed beyond the month of February. However, until that time comes, I believe that our younger generations will continue to go the distance and bridge the gaps that remain today. We’ll continue to educate our youth and peers on the history and accomplishments of African Americans and work towards unity and inclusivity.”
Check out Brittany’s full interview here.
Robert, Software Engineer, Detroit
“Black history is interwoven into every fabric of this country’s being. Black History Month plays a part in a larger necessity that helps ensure that essential names, events, and traditions are preserved in our minds when our memories might otherwise fail us.”
Check out Robert’s full interview here.
Akua, Customer Service, Detroit
“The history and the people that I’ve learned about and encountered are really what has inspired me. Black history inspires me to stand in my truth. It created a path for me and so many others to have so many opportunities and to go for our goals without limiting ourselves. It’s the reason why I can walk into any room and sit at any table without being afraid, ashamed, or questioning if I am supposed to be there. They made way for me to sit at these tables.”
Check out Akua’s full interview here.
StockX VIPs Talk Black History Month
We talked with friends of StockX about their thoughts and experiences with Black History Month. Check back throughout the month as we add more interviews from some of the most interesting and important cultural creators at work today.
The banners created and displayed for our Black History Month celebration series utilize Vocal Type Co.’s Bayard typeface, which was inspired by signs displayed at the 1963 March on Washington. It is named after Bayard Rustin, a dedicated organizer for the civil rights movement and beyond.
