Black History Month Spotlight: Christian Craddock
February 27, 2023 | by Shelbe Rodriguez
In honor of Black History Month, Â鶹ÊÓƵ will celebrate with a series of events organized and sponsored by a variety of organizations, departments, clubs and student organizations that highlight and pay tribute to the achievements of African Americans and important events that contributed to U.S. history.
In addition to university events, Â鶹ÊÓƵ also chose to celebrate Black excellence by spotlighting several Black Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, faculty and staff and the many reasons why they feel this month is important and more
This Black History Month, senior business analytics major Christian Craddock shares what motivates him to be successful.
First/last name: Christian Craddock
Major/Classification: Senior, Business Analytics
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Why does it feel important to celebrate Black History Month?
Black history month is important to me as I view the entire month as an anniversary to display and even witness the progress of my culture. Once a year this time is carved out of roulette of holidays with the motive of providing me with the opportunity to be relentlessly Proud, Proud of my elders for placing words into actions, proud of the traditions that kept me grounded within my culture, and most importantly I am proud of recognition to various injustices being brought to light.
What motivates you to be successful?
I’d like to think I am driven by the tireless need to be an inspiration. Having worked in various social projects with programs guided towards the success of our youth, such as World Youth Foundation Inc. (Houston, Tx), and having experienced being a (2x, 2017-2019) representative to the Congressional Black Caucus (Washington, DC) being able to be immersed a conference full of successful entrepreneurs who look like me and share similar experiences. I gained mentors who share similar goals and I strive to be successful in an effort to inspire someone as I was inspired.
How does Black history influence you as a student or within your personal life?
Black history influences my actions because I am a representation of my ancestry. I believe it begins at home with familial relationships and identity, as a young Black adult in society. I believe it would be selfish of me if I did not want to learn, teach, and celebrate our history. Especially in academic achievements, as we are not just a representation of ourselves but of our progress in history.
What advice do you have for the generations of Black students coming after you?
“Handle adversity with grace” - In times of stress or adversity know that you control your actions and how you conduct your character.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (this could be personal or broader in a historical sense)
In my attendance at the Blacks In Tech Conference (BITCOIN), I had the opportunity to network with Walgreens and learn that Walgreens CEO, (Roz Brewer) is the only Black Woman Leading a Fortune 500 company since ‘21.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“Anything is impossible until you get it done” I believe this generation changes their dreams swiftly, take the time to circle back to something you were once passionate about.
Major/Classification: Senior, Business Analytics
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Why does it feel important to celebrate Black History Month?
Black history month is important to me as I view the entire month as an anniversary to display and even witness the progress of my culture. Once a year this time is carved out of roulette of holidays with the motive of providing me with the opportunity to be relentlessly Proud, Proud of my elders for placing words into actions, proud of the traditions that kept me grounded within my culture, and most importantly I am proud of recognition to various injustices being brought to light.
What motivates you to be successful?
I’d like to think I am driven by the tireless need to be an inspiration. Having worked in various social projects with programs guided towards the success of our youth, such as World Youth Foundation Inc. (Houston, Tx), and having experienced being a (2x, 2017-2019) representative to the Congressional Black Caucus (Washington, DC) being able to be immersed a conference full of successful entrepreneurs who look like me and share similar experiences. I gained mentors who share similar goals and I strive to be successful in an effort to inspire someone as I was inspired.
How does Black history influence you as a student or within your personal life?
Black history influences my actions because I am a representation of my ancestry. I believe it begins at home with familial relationships and identity, as a young Black adult in society. I believe it would be selfish of me if I did not want to learn, teach, and celebrate our history. Especially in academic achievements, as we are not just a representation of ourselves but of our progress in history.
What advice do you have for the generations of Black students coming after you?
“Handle adversity with grace” - In times of stress or adversity know that you control your actions and how you conduct your character.
Did you learn anything new about history in the Black community this year? (this could be personal or broader in a historical sense)
In my attendance at the Blacks In Tech Conference (BITCOIN), I had the opportunity to network with Walgreens and learn that Walgreens CEO, (Roz Brewer) is the only Black Woman Leading a Fortune 500 company since ‘21.
Is there anything else that you would like to add?
“Anything is impossible until you get it done” I believe this generation changes their dreams swiftly, take the time to circle back to something you were once passionate about.