The power of being a Black woman
Black women are strong, humble, confident, well-spoken and highly intellectual – yet in this society, standing up for ourselves is often perceived as confrontational. But today, Black women are no longer afraid to take the lead. We challenge false narratives, demand our space and navigate through conflict with grace, power and purpose.
Black history is built on standing up for yourself. It represents resilience, creativity, ambiguity, love and honor. That is my history. And Black History Month – February, the shortest month of the year, yet arguably the most empowering – amplifies that legacy.
But why should Black History Month matter to everyone? Because this month is a catalyst for change. It is a time to acknowledge the past, challenge the present and shape the future. It is the month that invokes justice, demands equity and fuels progress for all.
Black history on campus: More than a moment
How is Black History Month being recognized on campus? What does true support and celebration look like?
It looks like students who engage with communities that align with their identities and inspire this month with their presence, activism and contributions. Or faculty who teach with pride and passion, pouring wisdom into this month and shaping future generations through knowledge and awareness. It is the organizations that take the time to honor and uplift Black voices and create lasting change –not just for this month, but for every month that follows.
Yet, as an ethnic minority on campus – and in the Farmer School of Business – I am reminded daily that my presence is both powerful and necessary. I refuse to shrink myself. I refuse to be silenced by systemic racism or deterred by microaggressions. Instead, I walk with my head held high, my back straight and my feet firmly planted – because this space is mine too.
February: A month of action, not just reflection
This month is about solutions. If you see something, say something. If you hear something, do something. Awareness without action is useless.
February is a month of mass productivity – as the shortest month of the year, it challenges us to maximize every moment, push forward with urgency and set the tone for the months ahead. It is not a time to slow down – it is a time to accelerate.
Culturally, this month holds deep significance. To me, February is equivalent to Independence Day – it represents my undeniable independence, liberty and self-determination. It is a declaration that I refuse to be oppressed by expectations or by a society that still struggles to see Black excellence as the standard.
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If you are Black in America, see that as an advantage. You are the product of generations who refused to be broken. Your legacy is deep-rooted. Despite adversity, you have adapted, transformed and persevered. Being Black in America is like being a superhero – our history of overcoming is majestic. We are warriors, visionaries, creators and innovators – and that is not up for debate.
Support must be more than words
At Miami University, I see support – but often, it is momentary. Too often when I reach out, I hear, “I’m sorry that happened to you.” I shake my head every time. Thank goodness it didn’t happen to you. But what I need to hear is, “Ray’Aunnah, I hate to hear that. Here’s what we can do.”
I used to reach out for support because others were physically and mentally disturbed by the melanin pigment in my skin – my biological shield. They saw me as a problem when in reality, my presence alone was a disruption to their comfort zone. Today, I laugh, knowing I am not the problem.
Send them your thoughts and prayers. Because the truth is, this issue is bigger than Miami. Too many people lack cultural competence. Too many people believe that diversity is just a checkbox, inclusion is just a statement and equity is just a concept. Until you truly know me, you cannot define me.
And let me be clear: I forgive today, but will not forget tomorrow. Be careful how you treat those who don’t look or sound like you – because the reality is, there are far more bullies outside of high school than within it.
A challenge for this year
This year, I challenge you: Get to know someone who doesn’t look like you. Don’t get to know them like you meet new peers for a group project. Don’t get to know them like you casually chat with your professor outside of class. Don’t just acknowledge them with a head nod and don’t study them like a chem lab experiment.
Genuinely get to know them. Understand them. Sit with them. Listen to them. Be intentional in your conversations, in your learning, and in your actions. And as you do, remember – no two individuals with the same accent, shade, shoe color or hairstyle carry themselves the same way.
Black History Month isn’t just about celebration – it’s about awareness, action and impact. It’s about recognizing that history is still being written, change is still being made and our voices will not be silenced.
Ray’Aunnah Tillis is a sophomore business analytics and entrepreneurship double major. She has been passionate about invoking change in her communities in any way that she can by showing up and using her voice unapologetically. Her campus involvement is in the Multicultural Business Association, Business Student Advisory Council, Community Leadership Team, Black Women Empowered and Black Student Action Association. In her free time, she loves to cook and travel to museums.
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