‘Because of Them, We Can’ Campaign Celebrates 2015 Graduates

Eunique Jones, founder of Because of Them, We Can, a campaign that educates and connects younger generations to heroes who have paved the way, has continued her mission to refute stereotypical images of African Americans with an initiative that showcases 2015 graduates. The uplifting and powerful photo story highlights the world’s future generation of innovators, change makers, entrepreneurs, professionals and investors, to name a few.

[Related: [REPORT] More College Graduates Are Landing Better Jobs]

The Because of Them, We Can campaign was birthed out of Jones’ desire to share rich African American history and the promising future of African Americans through images that would refute stereotypes and build the esteem of our children. Although she originally intended to publish the campaign photos via social media during Black History Month, she realized how necessary it was to go beyond 28 days.

Using the campaign hashtag ‪#‎becauseofthemwecan‬ and ‪#‎newblackstereotype‬, individuals can share their stories through the organization’s Facebook page or email the organization directly at begreat@becauseofthem.com. The organization then promotes selected stories using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Here are a few of the latest inspirational stories published via the Because of Them, We Can Facebook page.

“My twin sons, Aspen D. McNair and Ashton D. McNair, graduated from Delaware State University on May 17th 2015. They earned [bachelors degrees in] Criminal Justice w/ a minor in Coaching Management and Mass Communications w/ a minor in Hospitality & Tourism Management, respectively. This was indeed a day of celebration. However, it was not unexpected or unplanned. Both my husband and I have college degrees and furthering [our sons’] educations was a common topic in our household. Yes, my sons have dreds and tattoos but their outside appearance does not define them. They’ve both held one or two jobs consistently since the age of 15 and have never been arrested. Growing up, they were constantly reminded that their actions, good or bad, have consequences. I will admit that it wasn’t always “peaches and cream,” but I love my sons. And like any parent, I did my best to raise respectful men with strong morals and values as human beings.”

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“On May 17th, I had the honor of graduating with my Ph.D. in Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University on the same day my mother graduated with her second

Ph.D. in Nursing from Marquette University, [which was also the day] my youngest brother graduated with his JD from Marquette Law School. We stand proud in this photo honoring my grandmother who was able to attend all three graduation ceremonies.  Because of her we can.” -Adrienne

“After more than 10 years in foster care and having lived in more than a dozen foster homes and group homes, I did something that I (and many others) did not imagine was even possible–I finished school.  I attended three different middle schools and four different high schools while I was in care. I never thought I would even finish high school.”

“I’ve earned four degrees since leaving foster care. The BA I got from Bennett College taught me to be proud of being a black woman. The MA I earned from North Carolina A&T State University introduced me to the great work from black literary giants. Both of those HBCUs taught

me the legacy of black revolutionaries and that has proven particularly useful, especially now. The MA degree I received from the University of Massachusetts Amherst helped me to know that I have more fight in me than I thought. But this [last] degree–this Ph.D.–is special. It represents something much larger, I think. This one is for the little black girls and the little black boys who are languishing in the child welfare system and cannot see their lives beyond foster care. This one is for you. I just need you to know you can do this. I believe in you.”- Dr. Julia Charles

Dr. Charles received her Ph.D. in African American Studies and will join the faculty at Auburn University as Assistant Professor of Early African American Literature in the fall.

“Chicago makes national headlines … and sometimes for the wrong reasons. [But within the] dichotomy of violence and segregation is perseverance and love. As a 12-year veteran theater teacher in a Chicago charter school, I wanted to share a picture with you and your beautiful community. The other day, two kindergarten-aged girls decided to explore the costume center. They chose to be graduates or in their words, ‘We want to be a graduation.’

The sign that the beautiful child on the left is holding is a part of a construction worker’s costume. Before I took the

picture she asked me to wait. She ran back to the center and retrieved the sign. Little did she know how powerful this sign and her choice to be a graduate was. Our ability to learn is innate.”

“My daughter Bria graduated from Boston University with dual degrees in International Relations and History. She will be continuing her education by getting her Master’s and Juris Doctorate degrees as well. Bria has Albinism, which made her legally blind, however she still managed to excel in school and backpack through Europe. Her intelligence and fearlessness continues to amaze me and I am extremely proud of the young woman she has become.”- Adrienne

“This picture is the largest group of African American students to ever graduate from Samuel Merritt University with Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing. Tears, sacrifice, long days and nights, and one solid friendship pact got them here. One student drove five hours a day to get to and from classes. Thank you Mary Eliza Mahoney for blazing the pathway.”

To share your story, send a message through the organization’s Facebook page or email them at begreat@becauseofthem.com.

Source: Because of Them