By Phillip Weiss

History matters.

I’m a history major and still study it extensively. For the past several years I’ve been especially interested in the history of African Americans. For me, slavery and what followed in the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement left their indelible marks. I want to know about all of this and where it comes from. That’s history for me. 

Thankfully, in many ways we’ve made progress; it has been slow to come and hard-fought. I’m convinced, too, that there’s still more work to do. These struggles are deeply embedded in our national DNA. But, we do have our better angels, as Lincoln said. And it’s my hope that we continue to move forward with these angels.

A couple of things we at Iridium speak about often:

1. There is great value in facts and data. (For example, when we’re in a bind with someone we might ask, What are the facts about what’s going on? Who? What? When? Where? How?) Armed with this data, we can then:
2. Move forward with greater intention and less reactivity.

And that’s exactly how I view the value of the historical journey. The facts and data of history will, hopefully, inform and promote a more intentional, less reactive future. 

This month, we at Iridium Leadership honor and acknowledge the rich history, leadership, and resilience of African Americans – people who have continually demonstrated courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. 

 As I move forward, I can’t forget. I will continue to study and learn.

 History matters. 

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, April 1960 address at Spelman College.