Since 1976, Black History Month has been dedicated to celebrating the achievements of African Americans, the legacy of abolitionism and the Civil Rights Movement and the continued struggle for racial equity and economic justice for all people. Black History Month celebrations can be found in communities and schools throughout the country, and include lectures, spoken word presentations, musical performances and many other activities. For many of us, Black History Month is also a period of reflection on this country’s history of racial injustice and institutional discrimination. It is an opportunity to learn about the impact of African Americans on our history, while recognizing that more policy change, community development and social transformation are necessary to create a fair and equitable society for everyone. To further discuss the importance of Black History Month and lessons for the nonprofit field, we sat down with Joyce D. James, President and Founder of the Middleburg Institute, and a Prosperity Now Community Champion and Community Steering Committee Member.  

Hello Joyce, thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Could you share your organization’s mission?  

The Middleburg Institute is a 501c3 charitable organization. Our mission is to raise the economic, educational and social levels of low- to moderate-income communities. Our goal is to strengthen and improve their ability to maintain and preserve assets by advancing public policies and programs that build economic security over a lifetime.  

Who and what comes to mind when you think of Black History Month?  

My thoughts on the origin of Black History Month are not about one individual, policymaker, athlete or civil rights movement leader. All of those who made great strides should be celebrated. This includes those who arrived here by force in 1619, the starting point to slavery in America, when the privateer The White Lion brought 20 enslaved Africans ashore in the British colony of Jamestown, VA. I choose to celebrate the persistence and resiliency of my Black ancestors who endured extreme oppression, and for them we have a reason to celebrate.  

What lesson should the nonprofit sector take from Black History Month and the work of civil rights leaders and activists to further champion and advocate for equity-based policies and practices?  

The work is not finished. Non-profits, civil rights organizations, policymakers, business and community leaders should reflect on the past to address institutional and structural racism, with goals in mind to change and or create and implement public policies, programs and projects that are fair and equitable for all Americans. This work must continue the process of prohibiting discrimination based on race, color or national origin, and ensuring economic opportunity for all people.  

What are some highlights from your experience working with Prosperity Now?  

Some of the highlights of partnering with Prosperity Now include accessing and learning about different ways to leverage the Prosperity Now Scorecard; serving as a Community Champion; participating and receiving valuable information from the Consumer Protections, Financial Security and Tax Reform Campaigns; attending the annual Advocacy Boot Camp. Prosperity Now provides a wealth of data, ideas, tools and techniques that support and are in line with The Middleburg Institute’s mission, vision and goals.  

For more information on the Middleburg Institute visit their website.