← Back to portfolio

Black History Month: From one diaspora to another

Published on

For ORD Premium Customer Services agent Glaucia Miranda-McAtee, Black History Month is about more than just recognizing the history of African Americans in this country. It’s also about helping those of African descent in other countries in their time of need.

 Glaucia is a native of Brazil, and the third generation of a free man; her grandfather was born in 1889, one year after slaves were freed in that country. But her childhood was still challenging. She grew up in poverty, and quickly discovered the value of education.

 “In Brazil, education was very important because it meant success,” Glaucia said. “It was the only way out. Today, my career at American Airlines pays for my children to attend private school, which I hope will lead them to a successful and productive life.”

 That passion for education, especially in countries with extreme poverty, has put Glaucia and her family on a mission. Right now, they’re making 100 solar lights for school children in Haiti who have been impacted by devastating earthquakes. She was motivated to help after learning the challenges t “The children are at a disadvantage,” Glaucia said. “I wondered, ‘how can they continue their studies without proper electricity, doing homework in the dark?’”

 Her 12-year-old son, George, has enjoyed building the lights from scratch with his dad, and is looking forward to going to Haiti for the first time with his family to deliver them. Glaucia says that trip is coming soon – on American, of course.

 Meanwhile, George is testing the lights with his teacher, Mr. Van, who will also join the trip. He has close ties with a Haitian school and priest.

 “He encouraged us to not just go and deliver lights but make a connection with the school and children prior to going there,” Glaucia said. Because of that connection, she and her family have learned of other needs too, and will be bringing clothes and other necessities with them.

 As Glaucia prepares for the trip, she is also reflecting on why this mission is so important. A picture of her grandfather hangs on her wall and she wants her son George to learn from his freedom. She wants this experience to teach him the responsibility people have to one another: to love regardless of economic status or race and to see others for who they are as people rather than judge them by how they look or where they’re from.

 “We all share the same ancestors and we can never forget where we come from,” Glaucia said. “When we see someone, our brothers and sisters who need help, we help them.”hese kids were up against.

 Source: http://news.aa.com/default.asp...