Black History Month Spotlight

At MiSide, we believe in honoring and amplifying the voices that shape our collective history.  Throughout this month, we're interviewing members of our incredible team to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights on Black History Month.  

Lakiesha Timmons  
Lead Case Manager for MiWealth and HVRP    

What accomplishments are you most proud of?       
One would be earning my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University. Another is my two children, and marring the Love of my life last year.       

What is something significant in the family history, you want us to know?       
My iconic Grandfather, Mr. Frank Ditto. He held many titles with the Black Panther Party, held several congressional seats from Michigan to Mt. Enterprise, Tx. Owned and ran a candy store in Highland Park Michigan in the 70's. Protested with Shirley Chisholm, Malcom X, Huey Newton and John Conyers, jr.      

How important is representation to you in the workforce and community?      
I teach my children and youth I encounter. That's why it's important to me in the workforce and also the community to provide excellent quality customer service in person and over the phone always. This is what I have always been passionate about, providing a public service to those less fortunate.       

What does Black History Month mean to you?      
My parents & grandfather taught me many things that I live by and teach my children still today. One of which is the importance of Integrity, honesty, hard work, education, empathy compassion for others, communication and doing something you're passionate about. The importance of volunteering and providing a public service to help our community. Black History month is important to me because, my grandfather Frank Ditto would talk to me about marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, jr and Malcom X in the 1960's and 70's. He explained how important it was to stand for what you believe in, or else you would fall for anything the society throws at you.

Dr. Tonya Y. Griffith DSW
Special Services Program Manager at MiEarlyYears

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  
My beautiful wife of 18 years and our 2 brilliant teen age girls. The day I walked across the stage as a Doctor of Social Work. My appointment from Governor Whitmer to be a commissioner on the first LGBTQIA+ commission in the State of Michigan.   

What is something significant in the family history, you want us to know?   
My mother grew up Detroit in the 1940’s and never had the chance to go to college because at that time, there were not many black people allowed to attend college. It was because of that that she instilled in my sister and I the importance of a black women being strong, independent and educated. I am proud to say that because of her support, love and determination, she now has two daughters that are doctors. A fact she would make sure you know if you ever talked to her.   

What does Black History Month mean to you?   
Black history month is a time to reflect and honor the legacy of my ancestors. A time understand that “I am the hopes and the dreams of a slave” and that stand on the backs of those who were marginalized, oppressed and sometimes killed just because they we black. I need to remember to never forget their sacrifices.   

Black history month is time to talk to our children and remind them of the greatness they possess due in large part to those who fought and died for the freedoms they sometimes take for granted. This month is also a time for healing but also to remember that Black lives do matter.   

How important is representation to you in the workforce and community?  
I know how much representation matters in both the workforce and the community. As a young, black social worker, I had no one to help to guild me on my professional journey. It seems I walked a thousand miles with no direction and no help. All I knew was to keep going forward. Once I finally arrived to my destination, I vowed that no other young, black social worker would ever walk alone.  
I understand who I am and what I represent in every facet of my life and in everywhere I go, so I make sure to be a role model, an educator, and a mentor. I need to be seen not for want I have accomplished, but for the legacy and the golden bread crumbs I have let behind for others like me to follow. Their journey will not be like mine, because I will be there to help them.  

This is why representation matters!

Daicia Price 
Board of Directors and Chair of the MiEarlyYears board

What accomplishments are you most proud of?  
Raising my niece and daughter to be strong Black women   

What is something significant in the family history, you want us to know?  
My maternal grandfather started and led as a principal at an alternative high school in Syracuse, New York.   

What does Black History Month mean to you?  
It is critical to acknowledge the contributions of Black Americans to the world even though some formal educational settings don't center it   

How important is representation to you in the workforce and community?  
It is extremely important. My entire reason for completing my doctoral degree was to be a visible representation of Black women and girls in higher education.

We want to thank Lakiesha, Tonya, and Darcia for sharing their experience and history with us.