A Century of Reflection, A Future of Impact

This year marks 100 years since the Association for the Study of African American Life and History founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson laid the foundation for what would later become Black History Month, an annual, nationwide celebration of those who helped shape America’s story. Recognizing and honoring this history is essential to building a brighter future – a commitment UVA Batten students have embraced since the school’s institution. Today, they remember the past and begin to write their own stories for the next century.

“Black History Month means legacy and responsibility,” said Courtney Adkinson (MPP ’15). “I am deeply aware that my presence in certain spaces was made possible by the courage and sacrifice of those who came before me. Their resilience created access for me to learn, to lead, and to dream expansively.”

Adkinson chose to pursue a master’s degree in public policy because she wanted to create systemic change that would have lasting, generational impact. She cites her undergraduate experience at Spelman College as a place that challenged her to not only take up space, but to transform the spaces she entered.

“Initially, I saw law as the pathway to impact,” Adkinson said. “But over time, I realized I was drawn to addressing the root causes of inequity, not just the outcomes. Public policy gave me tools to analyze systems, influence decision-making, and design solutions that expand equitable opportunities, especially for vulnerable communities. I wanted to move beyond working within systems to helping reshape them.”

Throughout her career as a workforce development policy expert, Adkinson has found that the leadership skills she developed during her time at Batten, especially through the Tri-Sector Leadership Program, provided a deeper appreciation for the power of integrating diverse perspectives when solving complex problems.

“The program reinforced that sustainable solutions rarely come from a single sector or a single voice,” Adkinson said. “Whether working across public, private, or nonprofit spaces, I learned the importance of actively listening, building trust, and incorporating others’ lived experiences into decision-making.”

She also noted that Batten’s mantra – lead from anywhere – has served as a constant reminder to her that we all have the agency and obligation to create impact wherever we are.

“Now, as a mother, I think about the world my child will inherit and the example I’m setting,” Adkinson added. “For me, Black History Month is both gratitude for the past and an active commitment to shaping a more equitable future.”

Malcolm Stewart (BA ’18) similarly believes that Black History Month is about both looking back and forward.

“For me, it is a time to both reflect on the incredible accomplishments and progress that the Black community has made, while also paying homage to the many leaders and hardships that were endured to get us here,” Stewart said. “At the same time, it is an opportunity for us to look to the future at what more we can do to improve the world around us.”

Originally interested in UVA’s commerce program, Stewart was swayed by Batten’s focus on impactful change through service and policy. Now, he’s applying the leadership skills he developed as an undergraduate to his role on the Batten Foundation Advisory Board, seeking to help the school continue to innovate and improve for current and future students.

Stewart credits his public policy studies with shaping his ability to analyze a problem with a critical lens for not just what it is, but how it came to be, who it affects, and the broader impacts of the problem and its solutions.

“I remember sitting in a class Sophie Trawalter taught on understanding and recognizing the ways that personal bias can show up in our own arguments,” Stewart said. “She taught us how to be cognizant of that when problem-solving in order to come up with better and more holistic solutions. That is something I still find myself using and thinking about to this day.”

When asked about fellow Batten alumni who inspire him, Stewart pointed to Malcolm Brogdon (MPP ’16), Virginia Cavalier basketball player and 2015-2016 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, as an example to whom students should aspire.

“He is an exceptional human being, an extraordinarily talented athlete, and a brilliantly minded individual who understood from a young age that he could and would do great things far beyond a basketball court,” said Stewart. “It’s inspiring to see the way he has used his platform over the years, seeing the work he has done through his foundation, with Hoops4Humanity, and just being a positive force for change in the world.” 

Current MPP student and president of the Black Student Leaders in Policy organization, Oscar Kemp (MPP ’26), pointed to Batten Associate Director of Career Advancement Jason Bell as someone who inspires him to show up and listen.

“He is a great representation of what it means to serve and give lessons back to those walking behind him and into life during and after Batten,” Kemp said. “I value his lived experience, expertise, and encouragement.”

Kemp also takes inspiration from Ben Goehring, assistant professor of public policy and politics, who has taught him to think critically about agency and how it shapes our government, and Dean Ian H. Solomon, who encourages mindfulness and leading with compassion, curiosity, and humility.

“Being raised by a single mother alongside three younger siblings made me want to study policy challenges because I saw her struggle to understand social welfare, criminal justice, and tax policy that affected our family for generations,” Kemp said. “When both of my parents were incarcerated before I turned five, I knew I would study the impact of policy on people and their families. Batten affords me this opportunity.”

During his time at Batten so far, he’s developed valuable deescalation skills that he applies to his personal, professional, and academic challenges. He’s also learned that leadership is about being your authentic self and motivating others to reach their full potential despite challenges they may face.

“Pushing yourself into discomfort zones to get to know people helps you relate to those you hope to inspire and lead alongside you,” Kemp said.

Amber Townes (MPP ’24) serves as a legislative aide at the U.S. House of Representatives and credits her MPP experience with teaching her how to work through disagreement.

“I learned how to engage with people I may not share the same political views or life experiences with, while still maintaining respect and collaboration,” Townes said. “Being able to have productive conversations with people from different backgrounds and perspectives, without letting differences become barriers, has been invaluable both professionally and personally.”

Townes grew up in Richmond and explained that witnessing inequalities within the education and housing systems in her community made her want to understand how policies are created, who they benefit, and how they can unintentionally leave people behind.

“I wanted to be part of the solution, someone who not only recognized inequities, but also understood how to address them in meaningful and lasting ways,” she said.

At Batten, Townes learned how to think critically about stakeholders, incentives, trade-offs, and long-term impacts rather than surface-level solutions. She also learned to appreciate how strong leaders create space for people to feel heard and valued, are willing to ask questions, listen closely, and lean on the strengths of others. She carries this ideal with her in her current role on the Hill.

“Whether I am working on a project or navigating challenges, I remind myself that leadership starts with the genuine willingness to serve the people around you,” added Townes.

For her, Black History Month serves as a time to reflect on the strength of those who came before, and the injustices they endured, as well as honor Black achievements across every field.

“Black History Month is a reminder to all Americans that this country would not be as advanced, innovative, or resilient if it were not for the hard work, courage, intellect, and sacrifices of Black Americans who came before us,” said Townes. “Beyond celebration, it is a call to action. It reminds us that the work is not finished. Especially in today’s world, it is a time to continue advocating for equity, justice, and opportunity for future generations.”