In celebration of Black History Month, the Creative Arts community hosted a special weekly Music Cafe, titled “We Speak Their Names: Summoning Our Ancestors,” to honor Black leaders and their stories. Fortune staff and participants gathered to listen and learn about different figures in Black history, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Harriet Tubman, while celebrating their ancestors and their impact.  

Clemese, a member of the Creative Arts community, spoke about three powerful Black women in history, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and Madame C.J. Walker, and their significance in her life. Clemese learned resilience and determination through each of them, inspiring her to dream and continue striving for success. 

“Even though I face challenges, I know to keep pushing and never give up,” Clemese said. “We all doubt ourselves sometimes, but I keep pushing and remember that if Madam C.J. Walker or Harriet Tubman can overcome their challenges, that I can do it, too.”  

By sharing their unique stories, including their challenges, Clemese aimed to inspire others in the audience to keep striving for greatness. Looking to the past, Clemese sees women like Rosa Parks and Madam C.J. Walker as incredible role models, and their lives and actions serve as blueprints for her own.

Isis, an intern with the Creative Arts team, spoke about who she considers a “living ancestor:” Reverend Keith Gadson, a well known activist and musician in the Fortune community. After decades of incarceration, Reverend Gadson uses his voice to advocate for others impacted by the criminal legal system. Having met Reverend Gadson through Fortune, Isis feels inspired by his continued advocacy work.  

“To see someone who has gone through so much and has made it to this point, but still wants to advocate for others is truly inspiring,” Isis shared. “I wanted to share that with the people in the space with us.” 

Helen, a member of the arts community, shared a poem honoring many Black leaders like Malcolm X and W.E.B. Du Bois. She couldn’t choose just one Black leader to highlight, so she shared a few words about many and what their stories have taught her.  

Most significantly, though, Helen felt compelled to speak about her grandmother. She was a powerful role model, preaching compassion, understanding and patience. Now, Helen leads with these lessons in mind, carrying out her legacy each day by treating others with kindness and respect.  

“She taught me never to judge a person and that people can make mistakes. She taught me to speak about people as who they are in that moment, not about their past. My grandmother raised me to be understanding and to give a person a second chance. I’m grateful for her, and I got a lot of her ways in me.” 

Last week’s Music Cafe was a great success. It provided members of the Fortune community with the chance to learn more about prominent figures in Black History. By sharing the powerful stories of these leaders and ancestors, we ensure that their legacies endure, inspiring others to persevere and create change.