Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
Dear MAA Community,
Black History Month is a powerful reminder of the leadership, brilliance, and resilience of African Americans whose contributions have shaped every corner of our nation’s story. Since its national designation in 1967, February has called us to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Yet this month is more than remembrance — it is an invitation. An invitation for each of us, regardless of our heritage, to celebrate diversity, deepen our understanding of one another, and recognize the impact our stories have on the world we share.
At MAA, we are recommitting ourselves to protecting the progress that has been made and to amplifying the voices that continue to push us forward. We cannot allow those who seek to turn us back to speak louder than those who have worked tirelessly to move us ahead.
As a woman of color who believes deeply in the rights and dignity of all people, I know that real change happens when we stand together. When we choose unity over division, courage over silence, and action over complacency, we begin to see the difference we all deserve.
Recommit ourselves to protecting the progress that has been made and to amplifying the voices that continue to push us forward.
At a time when parts of our history are being challenged or erased, Black History Month becomes even more essential. This is our moment to honor and remember the extraordinary individuals who sacrificed, struggled, and stood firm so that America could become a place of possibility and belonging for all. Their courage is our inheritance — and our responsibility is to ensure their stories are never forgotten.
This Black History Month, let us honor the past by shaping the future.
Let us learn, uplift, advocate, and act — together.
With gratitude and determination,
Jennifer Bonner
President/CEO Michigan AfterSchool Association
