The celebrations during Black History Month often focus on the most popular figures, locations, or historical moments to tell the story of the civil rights movement. But there are people every day who are striving to make a difference in the lives of future generations.
Brittney Lewis grew up in the small yet historical town of Selma, Alabama. Lewis’ grandfather didn’t stand in the way when her aunts and uncles did their part to fight for a better future while marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As the Women’s Resource Center Coordinator at LSC-North Harris, Lewis isn’t marching the streets, but she’s still carrying the torch for future generations and working to help students lead a bright future.
Lewis’ main goal is to educate students on different topics and issues that affect them by engaging them in meaningful conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion while connecting them to resources to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.
From personal experience, Lewis knows that not every student who steps foot on campus arrives with the same level of support. Her parents’ plan was for Lewis to join the military like her father when he was younger.
When Lewis turned down the military for college, it was a decision Lewis’ parents did not support, leaving her to go down that road alone.
“I chose to forge my own path, even if I walked that path alone,” said Lewis. “The day I decided to go to college taught me that no matter what anyone says, if you believe in yourself, you can move mountains.”
Not having the full support of her family during one of the most pivotal times of her life served as a launching pad to find a career where she could make a difference in the lives of those in need. Not every student has everything they need, and sometimes what they need is someone to help fill in the missing links, said Lewis.
“I am not someone who needs the spotlight,” said Lewis. “I am more of the person who shines the spotlight on those who don’t think they deserve it. I love being able to speak to people from all walks of life and hearing their personal stories of resilience and tenacity.”
The spotlight doesn’t have to be for good grades. Usually, that’s far from Lewis’ mind as she’s encouraging a student who walks through her door.
Her job isn’t to teach or tutor.
Yet, without ever stepping foot in the classroom, Lewis is helping students achieve academic success. The coat drive she leads in the winter, the drive-through food pantries, and countless events held for students are all about lifting everyday burdens from students’ shoulders, so they can keep their attention on school.
“When they win, I win,” said Lewis. “Sometimes, all it takes is a listening ear and a little encouragement to guide students to where they never thought they could go.”
Showing others that they can persevere and become the best version of themselves no matter what they look like or have been through is how Lewis judges her success. It’s a much different way than her family members to fight for a better future.