February is Black History Month and to commemorate this annual time of reflection, we reached out to a few of our African American Airport Authority team members who represent SAN daily by interfacing with our customers and behind-the-scenes in business and operations. We interviewed both men and women and they shared their experiences, inspirations, and what Black History Month means to them individually and at work.
Tony Russell, Director, Authority Clerk, Board Services
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“When I think of Black History, I think of compassion, impact, intellect, inventions, perseverance, strength, and success that should be celebrated all year long.”
What African American person has empowered and motivated you?
“There are many, first and foremost, my mother and all of the other strong women in her life who help raise and shape the person I am today. Not to leave out the men in my life, many have mentored me along the way. The one leader who has made an impact on my life is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He stood on the shoulders of many others who came before him, so as a result everything he accomplished during the Civil Rights era and beyond should be attributed to all of them.”
What is the most important message you can pass on to African American youth that you have learned in your career and life?
“To not forget the past, but don’t let it define who they are, and to work hard every day to help ensure that there is equality in the world; to live with compassion, patience (yet with a sense of urgency), understanding; to challenge their ideas and beliefs and honestly reflect on their actions; and finally, that it takes all of us living and working in sync, to enact the change we want to see in this world.”
Marie Cole, Ground Transportation Specialist, Ground Transportation
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“Black History is American History. Celebrating Black History Month is a way to remember the importance of Black Americans in every aspect of society. We are able to shine a light and show appreciation, acknowledge and reflect on the sacrifices African Americans have made throughout history. My hope is that black history is incorporated year-round, not just in February. Connecting issues in the past to current issues to make African American history relevant to everyone.”
What African American person has empowered and motivated you?
“I can’t just name one person. Here’s a very short list of African Americans who have touched and inspired me: Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Nelson Mandela, and Barack and Michelle Obama.”
What is the most important message you can pass on to African American youth that you have learned in your career and life?
“STUDY black history there is so much history to be learned. And, don’t wait for others to teach you about your history.”
James Taylor, Lead ATO-GTS, Ground Transportation
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“Black History Month is a reminder of the contributions, advancements, and sacrifices made by my forebears that shaped American history. I take this opportunity to reflect and learn upon the brilliant inventors, fearless leaders, and resolute doers that enabled the freedoms I enjoy today.”
What African American person has empowered and motivated you?
“From a historical standpoint, I am motivated by many who fought for equality and remained of high moral character, even when confronted with daily attempts to sabotage their character and movement, such as Rosa Parks, MLK, and Jackie Robinson. More recently, I have learned of Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., who spent his illustrious military career advancing in rank for 40 years while battling segregation during the WW II era.“
“My father has been my most significant source of inspiration on a personal level. He instilled in me the commitment, accountability, and love for others it would take to find success in life while never shying away from the challenging conversations that black fathers need to have with their sons.”
What is the most important message you can pass on to African American youth that you have learned in your career and life?
"Character is power" – Booker T. Washington. “You are not defined by preconceived notions of who you are and what people think you can achieve. Be passionate and intentional with your life decisions so you may leave a legacy for the next generation.”
Sharon Walker, Project Assistant, Airport Design & Construction
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“To me, Black History Month is not only a month-long celebration, every day there are positive impacts and contributions that we have given to the world.
What African American person has empowered and motivated you?
“There is not just one person that has empowered and motivated me, there are so many to name a few (Martin Luther King, Jr. – Equality for Everyone), Barack Obama – He showed the world a reflection of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream that came to reality as it showed the world that justice and equality are achievable in America. In addition, what was more recognizable to me was when I had the privilege to witness the first African American Woman (Thella F. Bowens) hold the top position at the San Diego International Airport (SDCRAA) as the President/CEO.”
What is the most important message you can pass on to African American youth that you have learned in your career and life?
“My message for my career is: Believe in yourself as anything is possible. I always empower myself by saying “I can do all things through Christ which Strengthens Me” this for some reason empowers me and keeps me pressing forward. I have learned that “I am my own CEO,” meaning I am in control of my own destiny, due to my ancestors' blood, sweat, and tears, I can achieve, no matter what obstacles are in the way, I shall overcome.”
“For the youth: The power of failure is the best way to learn. When a door closes there is another door of opportunity that opens. Wait and be patient as it will happen, not on your time but on his time. Don’t get discouraged or become depressed, hold your head up high, keep striving, and pressing forward, The Sky is the Limit.”