By Viktoria Panayotova (YES 2018-2019, Bulgaria, placed with Ayusa in Stewartstown, PA)   

Last week, the YES alumni community in Bulgaria dedicated their virtual monthly meeting to Black History Month. They invited Makana Brooks ‘18, an African-American YES Abroad alumna, to the meeting to discuss the importance and the roots of Black History Month in the United States. After returning to the U.S. from her year abroad studying in Bulgaria, and graduating high school, Makana spent one year in New York City as a Teacher Assistant with AmeriCorps. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia. 

Online monthly meetings like this one have provided the YES alumni community in Bulgaria the opportunity to connect with people who they otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to meet, such as Makana. Makana presented on how Black History Month was started and how it has evolved over the years. She even suggested additional materials for the attendees so that they could learn more about Black history in the United States. The meeting was attended by alumni from various generations and they shared that the topic was made even more interesting by learning about it from a fellow YES program alumna who had lived in Bulgaria and could offer cultural context.  

After the presentation, the group discussed Black History Month and Makana’s personal experiences. Alumni asked about Makana’s experience in Bulgaria as an African American and shared several books and documentaries they have all read and seen, and how it has enhanced their understanding of the African-American experience. Throughout the discussion Makana was very open and helpful, explaining how to be an ally for Black people in their local communities. Lastly, Makana emphasized that Black History Month should not end with the ending of the month; Black history should be talked about, remembered, and mentioned regularly, as it is the only way to help solve the issues Black communities face across the globe.