Black History Month is an important celebration where everyone can come together to talk, share, listen, explore, and learn about the central importance of the black experience in American society.
For this installment, we talked with StockX team member Malcolm, a sneaker authenticator from our Operations team.
The following interview has been lightly edited.
What was your first experience with Black History Month?
My first experience with Black History Month was a school project on the man I was named after, Malcolm X. From childhood, my father always instilled stories about great black men and women who created and pushed for change. I always looked forward to the month of February to champion those greats.
How has Black History Month personally inspired you?
It’s a reminder to live every single day working to make an impact in any way, shape, or form as our ancestors did before us, whether it’s on a global scale like the greats or just a smaller impact in the community. That inspiration runs deep and to have a month dedicated to that means everything.
Why do you think Black History Month is so important?
It’s important to highlight the impact of others we didn’t learn about in school, such as artists, inventors, social workers, and more. The countless names that had a hand in the progress to this current day deserve their flowers.
Why is it important for StockX to honor Black History Month?
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.
What do you think is Black History Month’s legacy?
It will be providing the knowledge that’s needed to continue to move the culture forward. It’s the inspiration and drive that can be the fuel to facilitate the change.
Be sure to check out more of our celebration of Black History Month.
