Black History Month: History is made in the present

BE Connect Groups and Latinxs Connect ask you to Embrace Black Culture during Black History Month.

During this Black History Month, BE Connect and Latinxs Connect Groups will focus on both People and Community. There are many Black historical locations that may be within a couple of miles of where you live.

Throughout the month, several Albemarle employees will be sharing the history of some of those areas and what it means to them.

We would like for you to also participate this month and Embrace Black Culture actively. We urge everyone to visit some of those locations.

BE Connect Groups and Lantixs Connect ask you to Embrace Black Culture during Black History Month. During this month, BE Connect and Latinx Connect will focus on both People and Community. There are many black historical locations that may be within a couple of miles of where you live. Our employee's will be sharing the history of some of those areas and what it means to them.

We would like for you to participate this month and Embrace Black Culture actively. We urge everyone to visit some of those locations and provide us with your comments, pictures, and selfies.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Ebony Scott didn't realize how true this statement was until she had the task of raising her own four children.

"I realized that whether in a single or two-parent household, teenagers need a community of people to support their growth," Ebony Scott said.

Ebony understands the struggles Black society faces in a world where it doesn't see kindly to embracing the culture. She founded the "Dreams Girl University" (DGU) in 2015 with one goal in mind: To have a positive impact on the lives of young girls. DGU's purpose is to enhance young teens' self-image, promote positive conduct, and show the importance of having respect for themselves and others. Positive women changed the trajectory of Ebony's life. She was always smart and committed to making a difference, however without the positive influences she believes her dreams would have been more difficult to attain.

"The odds were not in my favor, and I vow to change that going forward. DGU is a resource for girls like me who need love, encouragement, and support. Pre-Teen and Teenage years can be tough; my organization is here to help young ladies make the most of those years," Ebony said.

“Dream Girls University (DGU) exposed me to different aspects of womanhood, such as health and wealth, through classes that centered on financial literacy, dietary planning, and more. The most impactful moment I experienced with DGU would be their investment in me when I went to college. They provided a bulk of my needs for my dorm room that lasted for most of my four years on campus. I am forever grateful to have been a part of a movement impacting young women,” said Kiara Blue, Dream Girls University program participant.

We can't have history without present actions, and it's people like Ebony who continues the legacy of the many before her to help Black society prosper. She knows her positive impact on the lives of these girls is providing a future they never knew existed and creating the next generation of women who will change the world.

"I get to place positive people in the lives of these young girls to help them succeed. My daughters also see me give back to the community, and I can take them along this journey so they can do the same, from generation to generation, community to community, girl to girl," Ebony said.

She can't do it alone. Ebony is searching for passionate people like her willing to volunteer, donate, or partner. Dream Girls University is a non-profit in Charlotte, N.C. They offer in-person and virtual programs such as Reach Back, Girl Talk and Pass the Dream. Please visit Dream Girls University to find out how you can get involved.

Ebony Scott is a Global Talent Program Manager for our Human Resources department. She's the President of Dream Girls University. Most importantly, the mother of 3 daughters and a son.