SOLES Celebrates Black History Month: Student Spotlight with Rhonda Harley

In celebration of Black History Month, Rhonda Harley describes the many reasons why this month is important, both for Black Americans and society at large. Rhonda is a candidate in our PhD in Leadership Studies program and the Assistant Director of Career Development for the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering at USD.

Why do you feel it's important to recognize Black History Month?

To be Black in this country is powerful and painful at the same time. To have a nationally recognized month to honor the the joy, the pain, the positive, the unfathomable, the beauty, the gifted, the special, and all the BLACK GIRL MAGIC and the BLACK BOY JOY this month (and every month) can hold is why it is important to me. 

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Which historical Black figure is most inspiring to you?

What do you hope is accomplished during the month of celebration and recognition?