Celebrating Black History Month offers us an important opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions that African Americans have made. It’s a time to honor African American leaders who had the courage to challenge inequities, strive for excellence under any circumstance, and blaze a trail for generations to come. In this article series, throughout February, we hope to educate, engage, and empower our community by learning more about the Black experience in America.

Inspired by leaders in the Black community, February 2022 Malcolm/King Award winner and ACE and Honors Program student Shania Roseborough ’22 is uplifting people of color who may feel unfairly treated by the criminal legal system. “As a Community Engagement intern with the Midtown Community Court, I’m helping create a space for individuals to speak up about their experiences with the system,” says the Criminal Justice major and 2021-2022 New York Giants Touchdown Fellow who dreams of becoming a lawyer. “It’s about coming together and having honest conversations so that we can have a fairer system. We want to help solve the problems within the system, reduce recidivism, and improve their outcomes once they’re back in their communities.” We connected with Roseborough to learn more about the leaders in the Black community who have inspired her and find out more about her plans to advance fairness and equality for people of color.

What does the diversity at John Jay College mean to you and how has it impacted your educational journey?
It means that students get together to celebrate and discuss how we are more alike than different. Being at John Jay, I now see everything I do through the lens of inclusivity. I’m committed, now more than ever, to advancing and celebrating diversity, inclusiveness, and equity.

How do you celebrate Black History Month?
I celebrate Black History Month by reflecting on the numerous Black figures who have fought hard and given so much to enable me to have the opportunities that I have today. I talk with my peers about how we can continue to advance Black liberty, while also recognizing and appreciating our Black roots. Applauding African Americans’ numerous accomplishments, means continuing to dream big and actively trying to make a difference in a world where there is insufficient diversity, inclusion, and equity for all people. As long as I live, I will continue to celebrate my Black history, be comfortable in my Black skin, and be proud of where I come from.

What goals do you have for advancing equality and fairness for all people, especially African Americans?
As a Community Engagement intern with Midtown Community Court, I’m able to advance equality by giving people of color a voice. It’s no secret that people of color are disproportionately targeted by the criminal legal system. I want to create a safe space where they can honestly speak about their experiences with the system and discuss ways to improve the system. At John Jay, I aim to use my different responsibilities, such as Chair of the Racial Equity Taskforce, to provide opportunities for students to get together and express their concerns and proposals for making the campus more inclusive and diverse.

When you think of African American history, what makes you the proudest?
I’m most proud of the attitude, resilience, determination, and sacrifices that our African American ancestors and figures made to improve the lives of others. It’s that mentality that inspires me to want to fight for something greater than myself. Icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Fred Hampton, and Rosa Parks did not have to sacrifice and give their lives to fight for the prosperity of African Americans, but they did. It’s due to their belief that our Black skin can be accepted that I and other ambitious Black students will continue to work for justice and equality for our people and for everyone.