Black History Month Q&A with Alumna Shantel Gray, ‘17

Alumna Shantel Gray (Class of 2017) is currently a Licensed Social Worker, working as a behavioral health therapist in Toledo.  She is also in her last semester of graduate school at Bowling Green State University, obtaining a master’s degree in social work with a specialty in gerontology.

What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an exciting time of the year where I feel a special connection to other Black individuals and our ancestors.  The unity and pride that occur during February is magnificent.  I see so much celebration and support of Black individuals, which makes me so joyful to be a part of this community.  The trauma that our community historically and currently is subjected to is also highlighted, which shows the strength that we have.  It also helps to know that you are not alone in the struggles that you face and are supported in the change that you want to see occur.


What are your thoughts about “Black Health and Wellness,” this year’s theme for Black History Month?
I think Black health and wellness is so important to focus on.  With this focus we get to celebrate the intelligent Black individuals who have made advances in the medical and mental health field to improve the lives of not only individuals of African ancestry, but all of humanity.  We get to highlight the current work that Black women and men are doing in and outside of medical facilities to get equity treatment.  We also get to teach the importance of health, self-care, and self-love to young Black individuals who will need a strong foundation when entering a world that still challenges this resilient race.

Promoting advocacy for oneself and others to continue to make change like the individuals that came before us will make a big impact on how Central Catholic's students let these challenges affect them and their peers.  We can aid in the healing of this community and not increase trauma of Black individuals by removing a stigma and providing a toolbox of knowledge for coping and growth.


What do you think about how Central Catholic celebrates Black History Month, and is there anything you would like to see us do in the future?
I think that Central Catholic improves how they celebrate Black History Month every year.  Each February that I participated in putting on festivities, I could see the growth of pride in the students and support from the faculty and staff.  In the future, I would like to see Black individuals, including alumni, being highlighted in and outside of the classroom outside of the month of February.  This would make a statement that minorities do not need a special day or month to be celebrated, and show students that their cultures and the people that identify with them are appreciated and respected throughout the year.


If you could pick any Black historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be and why?
This is a very hard question.  There are very well known individuals, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, that I want to talk to about their individual motivations that made them use their voices for the common good and how they dealt with the stress of leading change.  But ultimately I would want to meet with Bebe Moore Campbell.  Bebe Moore Campbell was an author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate who co-founded NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Urban Los Angeles, creating a safe space for Black individuals to heal.  She also publicly shed light on the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face regarding mental illness in the US.  The fight that she displayed is inspiring, and the guidance and confidence that would come from a conversation with this strong Black woman would help me to be a better advocate for the Black community and better overall social worker.


What do you appreciate most about Central Catholic High School?
When I think about Central Catholic High School, family is the first word that always comes to mind.  When my older siblings attended, I always felt welcomed and loved as a SIB.  Then when I attended as a student I had a great support system of peers, teachers, and coaches that pushed me to be my best while having fun.  As an alumna, I appreciate the solid foundation of academic and professional skills I gained, but also the fact that CCHS was where I found my voice to speak up for others.  I now advocate for individuals seeking help and aid in improving their life holistically.