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The artifacts of our Black history: Three colleagues on family, courage, and conviction

Our People United States

In recognition of Black History Month, we asked some of our colleagues to share a special part of their own Black history through a favorite artifact or family heirloom.

In the first part of a weekly series that will run throughout February, we hear from three McKinsey colleagues whose grandmothers inspired their strong convictions—and their courage to be themselves.

On strong convictions and the courage to be yourself

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Chelsea Doub, instructional designer, Boston
Chelsea holds a doctorate and works as a learning designer across industries. A photograph of her grandmothers reminds her of how much their sacrifices have inspired her journey.
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Sara Prince, partner, Atlanta
Sara, who leads our Black Leadership Academy work, shares the significance of a chair she frequently uses while working. The chair, a family heirloom, last belonged to Sara’s late grandmother, who just a few decades prior had sent her son—Sara’s father—to integrate a school in North Carolina.
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Kelemwork Tariku-Shotts, engagement manager, Cleveland
Kelemwork is an engagement manager currently on rotation with the North America All In, Diversity, & Inclusion team. She talks about the significance of the Black church—and how it has been a sacred place for Black voices—and why a family heirloom record player will always remind her of the matriarch of her family.