In honor of Black History Month, we’re proud to share reflections from Field Engineer, Clifton Jacobs, on the people and moments that have shaped his life and career.
Q: Is there a personal or historical figure who has inspired you in your career or life?
As an adolescent transitioning from middle to high-school, I was pretty-certain I already knew everything there was to know about life. Yes, I was that guy.
Back then, the code on the street was, “to be the man you’ve got to beat the man,” and I was well on my way to becoming a pugilist of sorts when beginning high school. And it was there, during my freshman year of high school, that the local school district would hire a new principal by the name of Terry Dixon.
Mr. Dixon would begin his tenure as the school’s first African American lead-educator and he would also become the mentor and role model of excellence I desperately needed. Each morning, using the school’s intercom system to provide updates, this educator would end his comments by reminding the collective that our success, both as individual students and as a (student) body representing the school, depended on a recognition, if not determination, to be either “part of the solution or a part of the problem” at school.
This daily affirmation from Mr. Terry Dixon has helped shape my view and outlook on matters that I am involved in and is perhaps indirectly or directly responsible for this employee’s recognition during Black History Month.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Black History Month?
My favorite thing about Black History Month is the celebration and dialogue that is generated by having a special month of recognition to engage with those who are representing, and/or are interested in the advancement of, a group of marginalized people wanting desperately to teardown negative stereotypes and positively impact the overall achievement of human society.
The lesson that began in a high school hallway still resonates today: be part of the solution.
That mindset continues to influence how he shows up professionally by bringing accountability, leadership, and a commitment to meaningful impact into every environment he’s part of.
This Black History Month, we celebrate not only the historical figures who paved the way, but also the mentors, educators, and leaders who shape lives in powerful, personal ways every day. Thank you Clifton for sharing your perspective!