Pushing equity forward
By Tobi Shannon, American Family Insurance Community and Social Impact Specialist
The 2023 national theme for Black History Month is Black Resistance. When I think about this year’s theme, it makes me especially proud to be Black American, knowing how my ancestors resisted so that I could be here.
Black history, which is American history, directly correlates to the legacy my ancestors left for me to uphold. In fact, this history, which a lot of folks are just beginning to uncover in the U.S., gives us a real chance to grapple with our individual and collective power when it comes to resisting injustices in our world.
The reality is, there is a lack of equitability in our country; even philanthropy — the system I work within everyday — has contributed to this inequity.
Despite this, each of us have the unique opportunity to resist these inequities and engage with our ecosystem on macro and micro levels. Understanding where I fit in this ecosystem is key; it drives my divine purpose, passed down by ancestors who resisted oppression to survive.
I choose to push forward equity because I see no other choice. It is in my blood. You see, I grew up in a household where legacy was something we didn’t just talk about but lived out every day.
Through our family- and friend-based giving circle network, The Community Investment Network, we collectively gave dollars to nonprofit organizations and small businesses that sustained our community. We volunteered on a consistent basis across several organizations because we knew people power was just one of many ways to fill the gaps our neighbors experienced.
My friends jokingly call me “the sustainability queen” because I’m consistently haggling them about recycling, composting, and buying from Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) owned or zero waste-centered companies. But in my opinion, sustainability doesn’t just mean taking care of our planet through our individual contributions. It also means ensuring the environment we live in — inclusive of the company we work for — is continuing to do what is necessary to address inequities that persist within the communities we touch.
To keep me grounded, I always ask myself: How can we continue to challenge the societal norms that uphold inequity? I often ponder our opportunity to incite change and how many of the choices we make will affect the kin that come seven generations after us.
The sheer fact that I’m here — that I exist — is a testament to the legacy that my ancestors seven generations back left for me to uphold. And the reality is, this isn’t always easy to do. But we resist and press on.
Black History Month at American Family Insurance
In honor of Black History Month, we’re celebrating and protecting real people, real families and real communities with real dreams. From historic victories, perspectives and trailblazers, to community initiatives and future planning, American Family Insurance honors the fearless dreamers of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Learn more.
