Marcus Jackson is a sophomore Physics major at Lawrence University. In the past, Marcus has celebrated Black History Month by researching Black innovators, one of his favorites that he learned about is Ben Carson. Marcus loves to celebrate Black History Month because "It's a month of comfort, [It's a month] to honor and remember those that laid the path for me and acknowledge those that continue to do so today. Black history to me is a month of pride to be African American," said Jackson.

One person Marcus wants to honor during Black History is his father. "My biggest inspiration is my father, I love my father. He doesn't fall into negative stereotypes of how Black men are [portrayed]. He is there for his family, he loves his wife, and provides for his kids. He leads in his community and sets a concrete example of how to be a man in today's society. He follows God, handles business, knows how to control his anger, saves his money, and listens to advice. He is my ultimate role model and my great inspiration," said Jackson.

Also, Marcus' favorite thing about Black culture is the swag and the uniqueness that each individual brings to the culture. "Whether it's being savvy in class and showing our fellow peers we are smart and able to have fun, or if it's in the church showing we can praise God and we don't always have to be traditional and sacred to get deep into worship. You can see the effect of Black culture in almost everything; fashion, sports, and music. But we also thrive in science, activism, and entrepreneurship. Black culture is a gift and I am blessed to have been born in the skin I am in and I wouldn't have it any other way," said Jackson.

After college, Marcus plans to return to his community to give back to the youth in Chicago. "I want to show young Black boys and Black kids in general a positive picture of what they can amount to. I want to be there for Black men that feel like they have no outlet, and to let them know they can show emotion. I want to steward Black youth to Christ, and help them make their faith their own and not just something [someone] makes me them do every Sunday," said Jackson. Marcus' hopes to be an example for youth that makes them feel confident and encouraged just like his mentors did for him. He gives gratitude to his father, Mr. Zach, his uncles, brothers, and coaches that has shaped him to be the man he is today and guided him on the path to Christ and success.

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.