by Alexis Kimotho, Recruitment and Relationship Specialist for Instant Teams
Black History Month, to me, is a month that encompasses resilience, the power of storytelling, and the journey of a group of people. My life has been filled with, and centered around, Black history lectures, study, and experiences. All of these elements have built a firm foundation as to what it means to honor the past, face the present, and focus on the future of African Americans.
Black history is 400-plus years packed with moments of tragedy and triumph – it reminds us that humankind has repeatedly faced adversity in order to overcome tragedy and rise triumphantly.
Black history is for all people
BHM is a commemorative month for all who identify the courage in one group of people on a journey from 1619 to the present. Today’s modern movement of BHM presents dreams with goals to achieve a brighter future for all.
I recently read the article,“World’s largest naval base has first Black woman as commanding officer.” My initial thought was, “This is something my grandparents would have loved to have seen, but could never have imagined.”
The idea of a Black female leading from the front was never possible during their time of service in the 1940s and 1950s. It is humbling to see their dreams realized.
Commanding Officer Janet Days said she hopes to inspire African American women – and all women – to realize that opportunity awaits. Still, it is equally appropriate to celebrate that Captain Days’ story is a true reflection and reminds me of what Denzel Washington once said, “Dreams without goals are just dreams.”
I’m currently living my own dream realized in my role at Instant Teams. As a working mother and military spouse, I’ve fought for myself and my passions, finally finding a career that uses my skill set and my commitment to help people.
I hope to open doors and empower military spouses to pursue their goals and dreams, all while supporting their service member’s commitment to serving our great nation!
I’d like to share some words of wisdom from African American leader Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield. Dr. Hartsfield was a prolific speaker who carried his words with the intent to manifest new thoughts for all those who received his message. As a leader in the Black community and a voice for all, Dr. Hartsfield shared with us his dream of goals for today, tomorrow, and beyond:
“I may not have the power to change things, but I can be a voice for change… to bring a word of hope and justice in situations of hopelessness and injustice.” – Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, Sr.
I am proof that dreams must align with goals to witness a dream realized!
Alexis Kimotho joined Instant Teams in November 2020 as an outbound verification specialist-qualifying guide. Currently, she is a recruitment and relationship specialist. Alexis is a military spouse who supports her husband, an aviation mechanic in the U.S. Navy, who keeps pilots safe and aircraft mission-ready. They are parents to 9-year-old twins and are currently stationed in Virginia.
