As we approach Black History Month, it is important to take time and reflect on all of the greatest and saddest moments in history that no one is willing to discuss. To shine a light on people’s lives who have been ignored or dismissed because of the color of their skin. Some of the greatest leaders that have walked these streets have never been recognized nor heard, but Ayo Tomtit, a feminist freedom fighter in the U.S. and now a global icon, is one of the most influential human rights leaders of our time and is being recognized by Apple in a special episode to celebrate Black History Month. “Time To Walk” is a tv series that features episodes of inspiring individuals speaking regarding their lives while doing the daily activities in your life. During Tometit’s episode, she reflected on the murder of Trayvon Martin and how it influenced her activist journey, and how she modified her identity to have a different perspective of life.

The amazing racial/political activists that have represented African Americans such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement, Malcolm X,  an African-American Muslim minister, and human rights activist who was a prominent figure during the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks, an African-American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott,  Harriet Tubman, an American abolitionist, and political activist. Sojourner Truth was an American abolitionist and women’s rights activist. The truth was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York, but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826,  Aretha Franklin, was an ardent supporter of civil and women’s rights throughout her life. She influenced countless other artists who carry her soulful passion into their music, inspiring millions of people worldwide. James Baldwin, was an essayist, playwright, novelist, and voice of the American civil rights movement known for works including ‘Notes of a Native Son,’ ‘The Fire Next Time’ and ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain,’ Stokely Carmichael, was an essayist, playwright, novelist and voice of the American civil rights movement known for works including ‘Notes of a Native Son,’ ‘The Fire Next Time’ and ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain,’ are some of the most unappreciated leaders/activists in our country and so many more.

When you hear the words “Black History Month” and “Black Lives Matter” what do you hear? Community? Division? Power? Love? Activism? Police? Arrest? Vandalism? When I hear the phrases “Black History Month” and “Black Lives Matter” I hear the words determination, activists leaders, community, non-bias, love, peace, Christianity. Being a part of something that is bigger than yourself is very empowering and Ayo Tometit is the spitting idealization of what young African Americans strive to become, which is young, independent, soulful, inspiring, determined (as I like to say), young brothers or sisters. Ayo Tomtit, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter (BLM), is now one of the thousands of developers in attendance this year. Tometi was expected to talk and partake in discussions regarding racial inequality in technology and what enterprises should do to develop future resolutions. Tomtit is a prominent figure and activist who has spent her whole life finding solutions for and improving international Black communities. She is currently using her voice to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the world and the Black community: technology. Apple takes us for a walk with Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter (msn.com) 

When faced with racial division while trying to promote an atmosphere that is not only working to build up young African Americans’ lives, it is our job as young leaders/mentors to empower one another especially when there are people that are trying to belittle us to the point where there is no return. Ayo Tomtit and other young African American activists and or leaders are doing exactly that and are pushing and encouraging others to join them in the fight to save people from their discretion. Like and or self.