Humans of UK: Social Work staff member Carla Jordan

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2023) ­— With origins dating back to 1915, today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of Black Americans across U.S. history and society — from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in industry, politics, science and culture. 

At the University of Kentucky, that sentiment holds true. 

In celebrating Black History Month, throughout February UK’s social media channels are featuring Black students, faculty, staff and alumni who have shared their stories of what Black History Month means to them and why it is important. 

Today, we are featuring Carla Jordan, a staff member in the College of Social Work. She dedicates her time to this community as a foster parent training program training specialist, and works to provide relevant, evidence-based information and skills that promote healthy sustainable communities. 

Read more about what inspires Jordan and why she celebrates Black History Month. 

“What does Black History Month mean to you and why is it important?”

Jordan: “We will all at some point, encounter hurdles to gaining access and entry, moving up and conquering self-doubt; but on the other side is the capacity to own opportunity and tell our own story.” –  Stacey Abrams

I stand on the shoulders of giants, having the responsibility for leaving a greater legacy than that was set before me. My grandparents Henry and Alice Gordon were born impoverished to sharecroppers in rural Alabama. With limited education and resources, they spent their lives ensuring that their seven children had better opportunities. They worked hard to ensure that their children were educated, safe, well-cared for and had the tools and skills needed to one day provide for their own families and communities. They were no martyrs or civil rights heroes, but they were instrumental in ensuring that their children and the other youth on their block felt safe, loved, valued and protected. This was especially helpful, as they first handedly witnessed the 1967 Detroit Riots which took place two blocks from their home. In their own small way, they were heroes. They were role models and many times surrogate parents to many children in their community.

My grandparents were a reminder that common people can make an enormous difference. They can instill values, skills and tools needed to implement positive change. My grandparents endured racism, classism and pure hate. Yet they persevered. My grandparent’s instilled in me many lessons and values that I have cherished over the years. One being that education is a great equalizer. Also, when you know better, you do better. When you know better, you are responsible to share that information with others so your family and community will be better. 

As an ode to my ancestors, I live my life each day intentional on ensuring that my children and the children and families in which I serve feel seen, safe, valued, heard, respected and loved. For me playing a role in leadership development, advocacy, training and education is an honor because it allows me to help others create their own beautiful life story! One often filled with overcoming challenges and breaking cycles to persevere. 

To me that’s what Black History is all about ... Working together to leave a greater legacy set before us. But also, helping others to break cycles, be empowered, feel accepted and actualize his/her/their story based in love, acceptance, wisdom, equity and truth so that they can create their own legacy. 

You don’t have to be a martyr or superhero, but common people can work together to create opportunities to produce beautiful life stories comprised of morals, values, health, safety and overall wellness. We each can operate with integrity and fair and equitable practices to create communities that are healthy, safe, prosperous and sustainable for everyone. We can all do our part to leave a greater legacy set before us not just during Black History Month but daily.