This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, our employees have come together to express what Black History means to us. Our diversity makes us stronger as a company, country and world. Thank you to all Endeavor people who have shared their stories and perspectives on Black History – we certainly have a lot to celebrate!

Read below on what Black History Month means to us:

Asha Rush, FA, ATL

“Black History to me means reflecting back, realizing how far we’ve come, and preparing for how far we still can go. The achievements, courage, and sacrifices that have been made in Black History helped mold the person that I am today. 

Simmy Scents is my candle line that consists of custom dessert candles, wax melts, signature scents and personalized crew candles. I’m a true southern belle who loves to bake and I’m an ATL based Flight Attendant therefore my candle line is a reflection of my lifestyle.”

Stephan Keating, Regional Crew Manager, LGA

“One of the best ways to honor the spirit of Black History Month is by reinforcing our allyship. Learning the history, facing and recognizing social and economic injustices and honoring the lives of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd and many others who have become victims of hate and police brutality. We honor those through remembrance and by community engagement. Remembering that many people have multiple identities. Black people who identify as LGBTQIA+ often experience exclusion at the crossroads of racism, homophobia, and anti-trans hate. Many Black women are subject not only to racism, but to sexism as well. Identifying these issues and Standing up and speaking out are just a few ways to show your support.”

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” —Barack Obama

Steven Morabu, Captain, CRJ-900

“As we celebrate Black History Month, my personal hero is Pilot Marlon Dewitt Green, an Air Force vet, and the first African American pilot for a Major Airline. Mr. Green helped dismantle racial discrimination that was prevalent in the airline industry during the 1960s, after a six year legal battle and a landmark Supreme Court case. This subsequently allowed him and other African American pilots to be hired at Major Airlines.”

Sheila Small, Regional Crew Manager, ATL

“Black History Month means paying homage to my ancestors. This photo was taken at Bell Chapel School (Mississippi) circa 1920s. The teacher holding the toddler is my Bigmama.”

Maxwell O’Connor, MX Base Manager, JFK

“My favorite artist, Bill Withersg, was a onetime Navy aircraft mechanic who, after teaching himself to play the guitar, wrote some of the most memorable and inspirational songs of the 1970s, including “Lean on Me,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Lovely Day.” Withers joined the Navy when he was 17. He served for nine years as an aircraft mechanic before being discharged in 1965. After discovering singing and songwriting, he moved to Los Angeles in 1967, installing toilets for the Douglas Aircraft Corporation, Boeing, and other companies.”

Crystal Brister, FA, LGA

“For me, Black History Month is bitter sweet. I think it is unfortunate that when people think of “black people” they immediately think of slavery and most times, acknowledge all the injustices people of color had to and still have to endure. Black History Month is supposed to be an opportunity to go beyond stories of racism and slavery to highlight Black achievement but it still seems to me as a Woman of color, we have a long way to go until Black History Month can simply be a “highlight” month.  

How I celebrate is I walk with my head held high every day because for me, I am not Black for one month out of the year. I feel it is an honor to be a strong Black woman regardless of what is happening in the world. I embrace who I am, and where people who look like me have been. I am proud of my skin, my curly hair, full facial features and everything else that comes with being “Black”.  I love and appreciation for Endeavor as a company. They stick up for you, and fight for you, and tell you to not let anyone take away your pride. Thank you Endeavor for shining light and celebrating Black History Month with us all.” 

Jodi-Kaye R. Cunningham, FA, ATL

“The most amazing thing for me personally as a proud black woman is to see our strengths and victories in pictures. They say pictures say 1000 words, well this epitomizes true Black History; it tells our story.  It personifies exactly why being a black person is something to be proud of. And to be a part of an organization that fully understands this pride and actually celebrate it unashamedly in the midst of  all the turmoil we unfortunately face today is a great feeling.”

Micah Clark and Alexis Brown – Sisters of the Skies

Endeavor First Officers Micah Clark and Alexis Brown are one of many Black women who are helping pave the way for young women of color in aviation. They are also members of the non-profit Sisters of the Skies, which was created to increase diversification on the flight decks across all the airlines in the U.S. Read the full story here.