Understand, Appreciate & Celebrate | Kamari Trotz: In His Own Words

As an African American, Black History Month signifies the celebration of the legacy behind African Americans who have come before me. It's important to acknowledge and carry on the history and culture of my people, whether that be celebrating their accomplishments, impact, resiliencies, or struggles. 

Celebrating Black History Month has cultivated motivation and hope throughout the African American community. However, it’s much more than a 28-day celebration in February. It’s a reminder of an ongoing patrimony that continues to shape our present and impact our future through knowledge and commemoration.  

Black History Month has been very important to the identity of me and my family throughout my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to explore my people’s rich history through my personal experiences and those close to me.

My sister attended a predominantly black school when she was young. She was instilled with the knowledge of our culture and our people, as well as the importance of carrying on the legacy of others before her. That message has resonated with me as my mother and father have also expressed the importance of carrying on the rich traditions that are remembered during Black History Month.

The month of February garnered immense importance in my household growing up. I remember playing an African American history trivia game that my mother gifted to me. These were some of my first learning moments, and she took the time to explain how an individual's bravery changed not only the lives of fellow African Americans but also the rest of the world. 

I advocate celebrating Black History Month through conversation. My early years in school began with learning about prominent African American civil rights activists and innovators. These individuals consisted of people like Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and many others.

I have always looked up to Dr. King and Malcolm X as people who have changed the way I view the color of my skin. Those people allowed me to be confident and understand the power I hold in being able to make a difference.

Poets such as Maya Angelou and Hughes have also helped me share my opinions and views and tap into a creative side of writing and storytelling. I feel comfortable sharing what it’s like being me because of them.

Even musicians like Bob Marley have resonated with me. I grew up in a Caribbean household and connected with his music in many ways. Above all else, his music made me proud to be African American.

I have tended to celebrate Black History Month through conversations with friends and family as I’ve grown older and developed my own thoughts. These conversations serve as a remembrance of important African American figures and a reflection on the impact they had on us and the world. 

I’m blessed to see how far we’ve come as a nation, but there’s still work to be done. We must lead a year-round commitment of understanding black history to ensure we empower the black community.

Individuals can continue to support the black community beyond Black History Month by educating themselves and continuing to tell the story.

Others can promote advocacy and alliance in order to magnify the voices of African Americans who have been silenced over the years. This will allow us to overcome the systematic inequalities that my people have and continue to be subject to. 

I’m someone who’s involved in the College Success Scholars program. They’re a group of highly achieving minority males at the University of Maryland. The program provides comprehensive and structured personal, academic, and professional support to Black and Latino students with a primary emphasis on retention and graduation at the university. 

Having that support from people who look like me and come from similar backgrounds as I was and continues to be a big help in a situation unfamiliar to me away from home.

I feel as though I have a commitment to continue the conversation by telling the stories of prominent figures within the black community as a part of the program and having the platform I have as an athlete for Maryland track and field.

Reminding and educating others is also part of my commitment. Those who may not be informed but are open to being educated are the biggest factors in continuing the legacies behind the African American community.

Black History Month and those who recognize its importance are helping foster inclusion and instilling it into our society. I encourage people of all races to understand, appreciate, and celebrate the history of African American culture.