SE Texas Times

In honor of Black History Month, Lamar University will celebrate with a series of events organized and sponsored by a variety of organizations, departments, clubs and student organizations that highlight and pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans and important events that contributed to U.S. history.
In addition to university events, LU also chose to celebrate Black excellence by spotlighting several Black LU students, faculty and staff and the many reasons why they feel this month is important and more 

This Black History Month, Dr. Lucy Tsado, assistant professor of criminal justice, shares what she's most proud of as a Black individual in her career field.

First/last name: Lucy Tsado
Current Title: Assistant Professor
Department: Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice

Why does it feel important to celebrate Black History Month?
Celebrating Black History Month helps us remember what history has taught us. It helps us embrace diversity. It helps us understand the sacrifices that those who went before us made to get us where we are now.

What motivates you to be successful?
Success means different things to different people. But for me, knowing that there are others who I can help and motivate is the main motivation for success. First, it was to make my family proud. Then, as I started to teach, I realized that others looked up to me. I therefore wanted to be successful so others could see me and know it’s a possibility for them as well.

How long have you worked in education and what are you most proud of as a Black individual in your career field?
I have been teaching for close to 10 years. What I am most proud of is knowing that I impacted a student beyond the classroom. I am especially humbled when a student comes back and tells me how they were inspired by me. I really don’t do much, I just try to show up and ensure that I do my best every day. 

However, specifically to the field, there are not many women and minorities in STEM and being able to guide and give advice to young women and minorities in the cybersecurity field is especially exciting. Therefore, I am humbled when people see me in the cybersecurity education field where I can impact others who are interested in the field.

How does Black history influence your professional or personal life?
I was truly encouraged when I saw other Black professionals who have been mentors to me, as well as those who have guided me throughout my career.  It humbles me to also remember and see what others did for freedom, that has paved the way for people like me. It has helped me to be more appreciative of opportunities to learn, to mentor and to do my best to pass it on.

What advice do you have for the generations of Black students coming after you?
There are exciting opportunities ahead of us, but we have to see it, believe it and plan to take advantage of those opportunities. Nothing just happens. You have to see it, believe in it, plan for it and take the necessary action to make it happen.

Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (this could be personal or broader in a historical sense).
Because I am originally from Nigeria, I learn more and more about the Black community in America every year and Black History Month has helped me, and others, learn so much more. 

Original source can be found here.