President’s Corner: Black History Month

Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service, shares diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at GED for this year’s Black History Month.

We’re halfway through Black History Month, and it has already been so monumental. For the first time in NFL history, both starting quarterbacks at the Super Bowl were Black. Beyonce broke the record for lifetime Grammy wins. Lebron James is now the leading scorer in NBA history.

Black History month is the chance to celebrate, acknowledge, and promote achievements from the African American community while still addressing and confronting the racism and inequalities that still exist today. It is a time to reflect on where we have been and how much further we need to go. It is an opportunity to engage, be curious, and gain awareness.

As a white woman, I will never fully understand what it is like to be a Black woman. In May 2020, I asked myself what I can do to bring change as a leader and made a promise to ensure change and progress within GED Testing Service. Since then, we have increased diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through affinity groups and events. We have partnered with organizations that serve diverse communities. We have highlighted student and educator stories that reflect the diversity of the GED community through culturally competent marketing, communications, and social impact. We have seated two Black women on the Board of Directors to increase diverse leadership and representation. At national and state conferences, we have offered GED DE&I presentations.

Our mission at GED since 1942 has been to advance our learners, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented communities. It is the primary reason I work at GED and what drives me every day.

We can’t do it alone and are extremely grateful for our adult education community leaders. They have made extraordinary contributions to the lives of our learners. I would especially like to thank Dr. Rolundus R. Rice, Daquanna Harrison, Kellie Blair Hardt, and Phyllis J. Kelley for participating in the launch of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives with GED Testing Service.

It is our duty to stand with our learners who may have obstacles every day and encourage them to keep pursuing their education. We still have a long way to go, but I hope we as community leaders can continue to make a difference.

Vicki Greene

President, GED Testing Service