Black History Month Conversation Series – Episode 5

Black History Month Conversation Series

In our newest Conversation Series, we highlight and celebrate Black History Month. During the month of February, we will highlight and celebrate a number of Region IV’s professionals that identify as Black or African American.

Episode 5 | Jonathan Elliott and Oscee Wheatfall III

Episode 5 of our Black History Month Conversation Series brings together former University of Texas at Austin colleagues, Jonathan Elliott and Oscee Wheatfall III. Jonathan is currently the Assistant Director of UREC Sports at the University of Arkansas, while Oscee is the Facility Operations Director at Texas A&M University-College Station.

Jonathan kicks the conversation off with how his perspective of Black History Month has changed over time:

I think it evolves the older I get. I think when we grow up, it’s all about learning the facts; it’s all about learning the people, the dates. But as I’ve gotten older, it’s more about advocacy…Because as you’re growing up with history, in schools and what you hear, it’s sugar coated, or it’s not the whole story. So for me, it’s wanting to share what I’ve learned outwardly. But also embracing that Black history is everyone’s history. There are so many touchpoints within Black history that share with other marginalized groups; the experiences are shared, whether you’re Black, brown, LGTBQ, women’s issues. All of those are connected to Black history.

Oscee agreed that perspective changes “as you get older”, but using any opportunity available to elevate the Black experience:

For me, it’s education of myself, and then having a conversation with folks in terms of impactful things you can do to be allies, to further progress the Black narrative in different situations like that. Now, once again, that’s not welcomed by everyone, but I do see myself as an “opportunity provides for individuals,” especially being at a Predominantly White Institution, there’s not many of us that can tell that story, and I have an opportunity to (tell it). Opportunities like this is one way to celebrate it. I’m going to take every chance I can to be a part of explaining our story, explaining our narrative, just in hopes of if someone else is looking for someone to relate to, opportunities like this can do that.

Jonathan and Oscee each then share a few strategies their respective departments have implemented to pursue racial justice, including monthly Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) conversations and presentations with student employees. Jonathan shared that at the University of Arkansas, it’s about “making the content relatable” in an effort to show students “this isn’t just about your job; this is just how to have a conversation with people outside of work, how to have these conversations with people that don’t look like you or may not have the same beliefs.” At Texas A&M, Oscee shared that a recently-created departmental DEI committee has created a monthly calendar with various events, within A&M Rec Sports and across campus, sharing resources like a podcast series and different readings, and engaging and exposing students to difficult and uncomfortable conversations. Their department has even addressed bigger picture changes, like addressing student interviews.

The conversation transitions to the importance of representation for both Jonathan and Oscee. For Oscee, having seen professionals already in the field like Jonathan and Jerrod Jackson was hugely important, showing that it’s possible to get to that point. Even when transitioning program areas from intramural sports to facility operations, identifying those individuals to follow their leadership and “continuously push forward.” Jonathan shared some insight on “being comfortable being the lone wolf as far as being the only Black person on a staff,” and the necessity to seek out others outside of his department. “You need to see yourself to believe in yourself.”

As with all episodes, the conversation wraps up with advice for aspiring Black professionals, and a call to action for non-Black folks who strive to be allies:

• For aspiring, young Black professionals:
  • Set goals and persevere
  • Make connections, in and out of your community
  • “Self-care, self-care, self-care”
• For non-Black folks:
  • Be intentional to purposefully mentor someone that doesn’t look like you
  • Listen to those that don’t look like you
  • Educate yourself
  • Participate in opportunities and/or dialogue

To connect with our participants, feel free to reach out to Jonathan and/or Oscee.

About Black History Month

Black History Month is the annual celebration of achievements by Black and African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in the early 1900s. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.