Celebrating Black History Heroes
Our team shares the leaders, activists, public figures, family and friends that inspire us each day in honor of Black History Month.
“Marsha P. Johnson is someone I deeply admire for the pioneer she was as a transgender activist. She was fearless in living her life as her authentic self in a time when it was both ridiculed and extremely dangerous. Many of the civil rights I am able to enjoy today as an LGBT individual can be attributed back to Marsha’s pivotal role in the Stonewall Riots, and for that I will be forever grateful to her.” — Ben Wainberg, Marketing
“Dorie Ladner — for being a life-long civil rights activist, dedicating her energy, hours and organizing skills for over 50+ years because, as she quotes, ‘Freedom is a constant struggle. We who want freedom can’t rest.’” — Liza Landsman, President, Jet.com
“My grandfather, Gene Herndon, was a military vet and the most humble of men. He is the force who taught me about the importance of humility, family, and responsibility.” — DiAmante Astillero, Partner Operations
“James Baldwin was a novelist, play-write, and social observer who was a critical ingredient in the Civil Rights Movement. His profound commentary of society and race relations immortalize the atmosphere of the Movement while remaining hauntingly prescient and especially relevant today. We’d do well to reach back to Baldwin’s writings of our past, to examine our present.” — Justin D’agostino, Category Management
“I get to marry this guy in September. Stephen came to the U.S. from Ghana with $40 in his wallet (and still had to send money back home), graduated from Howard, became a citizen last year, and is now an Audit Leader for the NYC office at Paypal. Every time I complain about having to empty the dishwasher, he says to me, ‘$40.’” — Ryan Lathrum, Talent Experience
“This is my first (and still very close) friend, Uchenna Ikegwuonu. Our fathers are best friends who met in university in Helsinki. Uchenna’s dad and his wife moved to Finland from Nigeria in the 70s. She was born 4 months before me so she was always my hero and role model because she learned everything first — to walk, to talk, be mischievous. I observed, then copied her. She’s has worked for Microsoft in Helsinki since 2010 and is now Enterprise Marketing Lead. Uchenna is one of the strongest, most hard-working, inspiring, sweet women I know - and she’s still my hero!” — Annika Sundberg, Software Engineer
“By coming from Jamaica all by herself, my mom provided a better path and way of life for me and my two younger sisters. She showed me the true meaning of hard work and determination through coming over to the United States with nothing. Now, she’s practicing as an OBGYN in New Jersey. I wish that one day I could be half as great as her.” — Rohan Jones, Category & Partner Management
“My grandfather, AJ Banker, is my hero — he was among the Montford Point Marines.” — Geoffrey Banker, Marketing
“Kanye West is one of my heroes because he is undeniably himself. He consistently challenges the status quo to make those around him better, pushes his personal boundaries, and seeks to understand what he does not know. As an artist he uses the power of creativity to expand the audiovisual horizon, and inspire a generation.” — Ben Stein, Partner Experience
“Staff Sergeant Ronald Phillips — he gave his life for others in Iraq. We all really miss his humor, bravery, and passion.” — Ryan Daly, Partner Operations
