Unapologetically Black

Dorian Moody is a junior Health Science major on a pre-medicine track at Spelman College. In the past, Dorian has celebrated Black History Month in many ways to show honor and pride for Black culture. "From my earliest memories, I've embraced Black History Month with enthusiasm, engaging in meaningful discussions at school and within my family circle about the invaluable contributions of African Americans. Like many, I eagerly took part in the annual school presentations and activities dedicated to honoring this rich heritage. However, as I've matured, my commitment to understanding the past experiences of African Americans has deepened, particularly through avid reading and self-education on a more frequent basis," said Moody.

The importance of celebrating Black History Month for Dorian is, "a celebration of African Americans' resilience, important contributions, and cultural richness across the diaspora. Additionally, it honors past struggles and successes, amplifies marginalized voices, and offers a period of reflection on present-day challenges rooted in systematic racism. Moreover, it inspires a hopeful future rooted in progress, equality, and inclusivity. Most importantly, Black History Month isn’t just a month-long celebration to me, it is a daily celebration that I take pride in," said Moody.

 Dorian describes her favorite aspects of being a part of the Black community and Black culture in four ways.

1. Unapologetic Nature: Black culture embraces authenticity and individuality without seeking approval from society's norms.

2. Resilience: Despite facing historical oppression, the Black community has consistently shown strength and determination to overcome challenges.

3. Leadership: Black culture has produced inspiring leaders who have made significant contributions across various fields, guiding and empowering others.

4. Diversity: Black culture celebrates a wide range of traditions, languages, and experiences, highlighting the richness and complexity of Black identity.

Also, Dorian mentions that being a leader and guide to her younger cousins is her biggest inspiration in her community. "As the older cousin to 23 younger children, I've taken on the role of caretaker and mentor, initially watching over them in the dedicated kids' room or basement during family gatherings.Over time, this evolved into being a consistent source of tutoring and guidance whenever they need it. These familial experiences have profoundly shaped my perspective and become the cornerstone of my inspiration. With every task I undertake, I'm driven by the desire to positively influence my younger cousins, knowing that my actions are paving the way for them to reach their full potential and achieve greatness," said Moody.

By being a leader in her close community with her loved ones, Dorian likes to re-invest in the Black community by pouring into youth in Chicago and in the Atlanta area. "Community service holds immense importance to me, a value instilled in me from a young age by my family and reinforced through my experiences as a Girl Scout. Last semester, I embarked on a meaningful journey of giving back by volunteering with Cool Girls, Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young girls in vulnerable communities across Metropolitan Atlanta. In Chicago, I extend my commitment to community service by volunteering with Young, Black, and Lit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to children's books that center, reflect, and affirm Black children. At Cool Girls, I contribute to their Monthly Unplugged Sessions, designed to nurture self-esteem, empowerment, mental health, and wellness among middle schoolers. In this role, I assist in various capacities, from setting up and facilitating group discussions to serving lunch and providing any needed support to the Program Manager. Engaging with the Cool Girls during these sessions is particularly rewarding, as I get to bond with them while guiding them toward personal growth and development. Furthermore, I extend my volunteer efforts to assist with external events hosted by Cool Girls, aiding in registration, event setup, breakdown, and offering support to the girls attending. Through my involvement with these organizations, I am honored to contribute to uplifting and empowering marginalized communities, fostering a sense of belonging and opportunity for future generations," said Moody.

Your gift to Pursue Scholars today will be actively investing in young Chicago leaders to shine through the noise of that negative narrative and help them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.