‘Standing on Their Shoulders’: SouthState Leaders Reflect on Black History Month

Lifting up Black pioneers in the scientific community, teaching children about Black authors, visiting a museum with Gullah art, sharing generational recipes at Sunday dinner – all this and more is a part of Black history.

For SouthState team members, there’s a multitude of reasons to celebrate Black History Month.

“It’s a great time of reflection on the sacrifices of people who paved the path for us,” says Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Delpha Bartley-Jones. “We are standing on their shoulders.”

Director of Corporate Stewardship LeDon Jones takes pride in knowing how much of his culture is weaved into the foundation of America.

“African Americans have made a significant impact on this country,” he says. “Black history is American history.”

Highlighting Black Leaders

Celebrating the “firsts” to accomplish a milestone – those who fought for freedoms or broke barriers – has been a part of Bartley-Jones’ life since she was young. She enjoys looking back on the progress from 50 years ago to today.
 
“There are things we can do now that our parents could not,” she adds. “Generations before me could not even enter a bank. To be sitting in a bank and doing the work I do is very important.”

Jones and Bartley-Jones both reside in Birmingham, Alabama, a city where so much Civil Rights history lives, a city that is now part of the Civil Rights Heritage Trail. Being surrounded by the history was one reason why Bartley-Jones was excited to move to the area.

“History keeps us grounded and reminds us of the work left to do,” she says. “I hope people think of not only civil rights but also the growth, tech industry and foodie culture that are found in Birmingham.”

As a parent, Bartley-Jones takes advantage of the city’s variety of historical and cultural offerings. Her family often enjoys museums, art and theatre directed by African American artists.

Jones also makes it a point to teach his daughter about Black community and business leaders who influence him still today.

“I’m trying to raise a daughter who can be a future leader. In order for her to be a future leader, she has to not only understand where she comes from, but she also has to be confident and comfortable with who she is,” he says.

Ensuring equal rights, however, is a work that’s never finished. Bartley-Jones admits progress can feel slower as a female.

“When improvements are made, I feel hopeful,” she says. “There are so many people on smaller levels making an impact. One day we will know their names.”

Why We Celebrate

SouthState proudly shines a light on African American team members and the contributions they make for their customers and fellow bankers each day.

“We pride ourselves on doing business in all communities, including diverse communities. When you have a diverse workforce that aligns with doing business in diverse communities, we all win,” Jones says.

Bartley-Jones sees celebrating Black History Month is one way to honor the humanity of African Americans.

“As people, we all want to feel valued and acknowledged and be seen for the contributions we have made,” she says.