Empowered by Ancestors, Driven by Purpose

Zaria Hobbs is a junior Agricultural Science major with a concentration in Educational Leadership & Communications at Tennessee State University. During Black History Month, Zaria reflected on how far society has come and she acknowledges the remarkable progress made in giving African Americans recognition for their contributions to society, but she knows there is still progress that needs to be made. "[Black History Month] serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to address ongoing issues of racial inequality, making it a time for both celebration of achievements and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable future," said Hobbs.

To celebrate the richness of Black culture, Zaria has been involved in a lot of ways to show her pride. "In the past, I celebrated Black History Month by watching movies, interviews, reading books, and being a part of educational programs and workshops that will teach me about our rich history and motivate me to work towards the change I want to see in the world," said Hobbs.

When asked who was Zaria's inspiration and who she would like to honor during this month she mentioned her mom. "My mom is faith-driven, determined, and an outgoing woman. She always inspires the youth and instills in them the importance of resilience, kindness, and hard work. Her unwavering faith guides her through challenges, and her determination fuels her pursuit of goals, she is constantly serving as a source of motivation for those around her. My mom effortlessly connects with people from all walks of life, sharing her experiences and wisdom to uplift youth. Through her actions and words, she exemplifies the qualities of a compassionate and strong individual, making her my biggest inspiration and a guiding light in my life," said Hobbs.

As Zaria continues to reflect on Black History Month, she mentions her favorite thing about Black culture is the music because it has a story and a certain level of swag to it. While taking pride in her culture, Zaria also wants to give back to the youth in her community. "Growing up on the West Side of Chicago posed challenges due to limited resources, hindering many kids from reaching their full potential. Despite the hardships, it served as a valuable learning experience, inspiring me to not only follow my dreams but also return and contribute to my community. By connecting with the youth and emphasizing the importance of faith in God, I aim to motivate them to persevere through challenges and strive for a brighter future, said Hobbs. 

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.