Progress & Pain. Black History Month
Our good friend Deon Giddons reflects on the stories of this family as he also see hope and progress for Black History being American History.
By Deon Giddons
Black History Month is important because it allows the nation to learn more about our culture and history. Countless brave, courageous, resilient, and intelligent Black Americans have paved the way for me to have the freedom and right to pursue my passion in this country.
Being a Nashville native, my parents were part of some of the first schools to be integrated right here in Nashville. I always heard stories that my grandmother and great-grandparents would tell about Black people’s hardships during the civil rights movement.
Fast forward to 2023, and it’s still a lot of work to be done, but I can genuinely say we have come a long way. I’m a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, an HBCU in Nashville. The lessons I learned and the unforgettable experiences I obtained from attending TSU still take me with them to this day.
I’m thankful for all of the elders, trailblazers, influencers, and innovators that paved the way for me to be a successful Black entrepreneur in today’s society. It’s truly a blessing for me to be able to live out my passion as a Fitness professional and change so many lives daily. I can be bold and confident in who I am and my history because of all the fearless men and women that have opened the doors in sports and education in this country.
Today I get to develop fitness programs and help motivate people from all ethnic backgrounds as my career. That would not be possible if it were not for those African Americans that came before me. So I encourage you to keep dreaming big and follow your passion because you never know the next person you might inspire.
Forever grateful!
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Author: NFM Staff
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