In Honor of Black History Month: The Work is Not Yet Done

This year marks 404 years since the first enslaved person disembarked onto American soil, 158 years since the abolishment of slavery, 156 years since Independence Day for enslaved people, and 57 years since the ending of Jim Crow. Although many of these historical events are well over a century old, we are reminded daily that the work is not yet done. Throughout history, African Americans and other members of the Diaspora have fought relentlessly for equity, social justice, and inclusion.

In February, we highlight our ancestors’ astounding accomplishments, who paved the way for generations of African Americans and other members of the Diaspora to thrive. To Dr. Mamie Clark, Ph.D.—for your courage to do what has not been done as the First African American womxn psychologist—thank you for being the vessel for the future Black women psychologists. To Dr. Patricia Hill Collins, Ph.D., thank you for your work on Critical Race Theory and for being one of the hearts of Black Feminism, creating our seat at the table. To Dr. Marie Fielder, thank you for promoting equitable education and justice; we carry your legacy through our research at the Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership, and Education. To Dr. Sadie Tanner Mossell-Alexander, thank you for your work, being the first African American womxm to obtain a Ph.D. in Economics and creating a conversation about the financial injustices oppressed upon the Black community. To Mr. Victor H. Green, thank you for the guide that allowed our community to safely travel in a country where being Black after dark yielded a death sentence. Thank you, Dr. Herman George Canady, Ph.D., for being the first psychologist to speak on the racial biases in IQ testing. To Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D., for contributing to Alzheimer’s Disease research. To the many other Black men and women who have fought for the sake of your community, we will forever be indebted to your fortitude.

With the many accomplishments and efforts made to advance the African American and Black community mountain to climb. The honorable Malcolm X once wrote, “Any time you beg another man to set you free, you will never be free. Freedom is something that you have to do for yourselves.” We are no longer in shackles, but we are far from freedom. The work is not done until the African American and Black communities are granted the civil rights and liberties bestowed upon their counterparts as a birthright. To this generation and the next, our time is now. We have been allowed to contribute to the legacy of our people. The narrative will not change unless we change it ourselves. Let us show the world how Black is, and always has been, magic.

To close, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the passing of a soul that was not supposed to leave this earth in the manner you did. Tyre Nichols, I am sorry that this world did not grant you the grace you deserved. My prayers go out to you and your family. Ms. RowVaughn Wells, I pray that God shields your heart and that you harbor no hate.

About the Author

Shania Greenwood, Ph.D.

Shania Greenwood, MS, LCPC(MD), is a first-generation fourth-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Program and a native of Baltimore, Maryland. She holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Morgan State University and a master of science in applied psychology from the University of Baltimore. She is the Treasurer, Special Events & Press Coordinator of the Black Student Association (BSA). Shania is also a 2022-2024 Fielder Graduate Fellow at the Marie Fielder Center for Democracy, Leadership, and Education. 

As a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and a board-approved clinical supervisor, Shania has experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy to patients of various ages. Her clinical specializations include treating patients with self-esteem, body image, racial identity concerns, and women’s issues. She enjoys advocating for mental health in the African American community and providing treatment services to low-income children and their families. Shania’s research interests include disparities among African American women. 

She is an active member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Educational Research Association (AERA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi). She is also a certified notary public.