At Be the Voice of Girls, every session is a journey—one that opens doors to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and deeper understanding. Today’s virtual session with Andrew McCrea was no exception. As we gathered together, we embarked on an insightful conversation about Black History Month, delving into the stories of courage, resilience, and transformation that have shaped history.

Setting the Stage: A Warm Welcome and a Bit of Laughter

As always, our session began with warm greetings, a bit of playful chatter, and—of course—introductions of beloved pets making surprise appearances on screen! It’s these lighthearted moments that remind us how learning isn’t just about absorbing facts; it’s about connection.

Once Andrew joined the session (after a brief mix-up in scheduling!), we dove right into the heart of the discussion.

Understanding Black History Month: A Lesson in Courage and Change

Andrew kicked off by explaining why Black History Month is so important in the United States. He walked us through historical milestones, from the drafting of the Declaration of Independence—which proclaimed that “all men are created equal,” yet failed to extend those rights to all citizens—to the Civil War, which was fought in part to end slavery.

Through engaging storytelling and compelling visuals, Andrew shared the stories of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—all figures who fought against oppression and paved the way for a more just society.

• Harriet Tubman: Known as the “Moses of her people,” she bravely led enslaved individuals to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
• Rosa Parks: A quiet but powerful activist who refused to give up her bus seat, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and challenging racial segregation.
• Martin Luther King Jr.: A leader in the Civil Rights Movement whose I Have a Dream speech continues to inspire generations.

We also discussed more recent figures, such as Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, and Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to become Vice President of the United States.

From History to Today: A Conversation on Progress

One of the most powerful moments of the session came when we reflected on how far society has come—and how much further there is to go.

Mirey, our local coordinator, posed a thoughtful question: “We’ve talked about history, but what about today? What does it mean to be Black in America now?”

Andrew responded with hope, acknowledging that while progress has been made, challenges remain. He emphasized the power of education, friendship, and open conversations in breaking down barriers. He shared a personal story about his son, who, when recalling a Black family friend, didn’t describe him by his race but instead by the funny voices he made—showing how children can grow up seeing people beyond race when guided by the right values.

The girls also reflected on their own experiences, discussing whether similar challenges existed in their own countries and how they could take action in their communities.

Bridging the Past and Future Through Storytelling

As the session transitioned, Andrew introduced the theme of storytelling—a vital tool for preserving history and inspiring change. He challenged the girls to think about someone they could interview, encouraging them to seek out personal stories of resilience, change, or cultural significance in their own communities.

Key Takeaways from the Storytelling Segment:
✔️ Find the Right Person: Look for someone with a compelling story—perhaps a grandparent, a teacher, or a community leader.
✔️ Ask the Right Questions: Go beyond facts—ask about feelings, motivations, and lessons learned.
✔️ Think About the Message: What is the lesson or inspiration behind the story?

Andrew reminded us that stories have the power to connect people across cultures, generations, and experiences. Just as he shared stories of influential Black leaders, we too can share stories that inspire and educate others.

A Homework Challenge: Who Will You Interview?

To keep the learning going, Andrew gave everyone a challenge: Find someone to interview and prepare thoughtful questions for them. These interviews will help the girls practice their English while also uncovering fascinating stories from their own communities.

Mirey suggested brainstorming over the weekend, and the girls gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up!

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

We wrapped up with a reminder about Andrew’s next session on March 12, where we’ll continue exploring women’s history and the power of storytelling. The girls will have a chance to share their interview ideas and start shaping their own stories.

As the session ended, we left feeling empowered—not just by the lessons of history, but by the knowledge that we, too, can be storytellers and changemakers.

Until next time, let’s keep learning, listening, and being the voices that matter. 💜

📢 Want to hear more incredible stories? Be sure to check out Andrew McCrea’s extensive collection of interviews on his website, American Countryside (app.americancountryside.com). His stories bring history and culture to life in ways that inspire and inform. Happy listening! 🎙️