Our rue21 team members are the heart of our brand as well as ambassadors of our values and mission. We spoke to an incredible group of Black associates who shared insights about their experiences, advice, and so much more in honor of Black History Month. A huge thank you to those who participated and to all our rue21 team members!
Sierra Storrs, Support Center
What is your position and how long have you worked with rue21?
I’ve been with rue21 as a Social Media Coordinator for 3 months.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History month means to me a time to celebrate my heritage and give light to upcoming and iconic Black figures and artists and how the Black community has influenced the world.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your heritage?
My favorite ways to celebrate is spend time with my family and learn about different historical moments and pop culture figures that have impacted the Black community.
Who is a Black public figure that you look up to and why?
A public figure I look up to is Ava DuVernay, I am huge movie/tv-show lover and I also appreciate when there is representation of Black women and men in movies, she does a great job of producing and directing movies told from a Black perspective about important Black stories.
Who in your life inspires you to be proud of your background?
My mother inspires me to be proud of my background, she loves to learn about history specifically Black history and has made sure to teach me about the important figures that have paved the way for me to be where I am, along with sharing her love of Black music artists.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to young Black children?
Speak up even when you’re afraid that no one is listening, your voice is important and your life matters.
Jarlisa Griffith/Bell
What is your position and how long have you worked with rue21?
I work at Store 1019 in Greenville, Texas. It will be my third year with rue21 in September 2022.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
One important way I like to celebrate Black History Month is by supporting. With Black-owned businesses still facing structural racism, as it poses a unique threat to their longevity and ability to serve their community needs. Becoming a customer – specifically during February when these companies have a lot more visibility.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your heritage?
Learning about noteworthy Black figures. Black History Month draws associations with well-known figures like civil rights leader Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks, but there are many others to learn about.
Who is a Black public figure that you look up to and why?
Shirley Chisholm is someone who inspires me. She was the first Black woman elected to Congress. Shirley represented New York’s 12th district from 1969-1983, and in 1972, she became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her slogan: “Unbought and Unbossed” rings even louder today. First Black VP Kamala Harris recently paid tribute to Chisholm in her presidential campaign announcement by using a similar slogan as Chisholm. She was also one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1977.
Who in your life inspires you to be proud of your background?
Being a mother of two girls, Brooklynn and Madilynn, they inspire me the most. Raising my own little Black girls has certainly been more about the ups than the downs. Although we had a few issues where they were concerned about being the only Black girls in their class and struggling on wash days. I am so grateful to have two sweet brown girls to go through life with. Even though I am terrified because I know the world they’re excited to see is going to one day tell you and make you feel like you’re not enough. But I want them and every young and Black girl and boy to you and never forget that you are MY/OUR miracles, you are special and more than enough. When the world gets loud, listen for that voice inside, be reminded you are perfectly and wonderfully made.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to young Black children?
When people pass comments that make you think twice, make you re-consider your value, remember to stand tall, walk with pride, shake out your fro, dance your dance, talk your talk, know your worth, speak your truth, be humble, and don’t debate your worth with others. And to my girls, I love how you glow in the sun, how your big hair can turn heads, and how defined your curls are. Everything about being your life is LIT, because you’re BLACK.
Cheri Mae Ebuen-O’Brien
What is your position and how long have you worked with rue21?
I am one of the full-time assistant store managers here at Vacaville rue21. I’ve been with the company for about 10 years.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means the appreciation and acknowledgement of Blackness and how it permeates all aspects of society. It’s the recognition of people and a culture that transcends the racist and imperial formations of the United States. It is a celebration of Black men, women, nonbinary, trans, disabled folx. It’s a reminder that the level of reverence shown during this month is something that needs to be consistent the entire year. It’s a call to action to continue to advocate for and uplift those within society who are often pushed to the margins. Black History Month encourages us to recognize our past, evaluate our present, and plan for our future. Lastly, it galvanizes and serves as a reminder of the tremendous work we have to continue to do all year long towards eradicating social injustices.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your heritage?
My favorite way to celebrate my heritage is to cook the traditional dishes of my heritage and educate my friends and everyone I meet. It is important for me to educate people on my heritage because it is the way our culture will continue to grow. I also love to educate myself and learn new things about my culture because it breathes life and meaning into our identities and our knowledge of who we are. It is always important to explore the past and see how our heritage is with us today.
Who is a Black public figure that you look up to and why?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.is a Black public figure that I have always looked up to because he stood up for what he believed in and took bold actions. He influences me and inspires me to live through the eyes of God. To see others the way they were created… in God’s image!
Who in your life inspires you to be proud of your background?
I am inspired by my mother because she faced a lot of adversity in her life and had to raise four children as a single mother. She worked extremely hard to provide for the four of us, but I rarely saw her complain. What I admire most about her is her ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions, I am extremely grateful for being her only daughter and I can’t thank her enough for the sacrifices she made for us while she was alive. My mother taught me to love myself because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. If it weren’t for her fervent prayers over my life, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. My mom has inspired me to stand up for what I believe in and to never back down even if that means I stand alone. My mother has taught me the true meaning of hard work, loyalty, and determination.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to young Black children?
My advice to young Black children is to be proud of who you are. Be proud of your Blackness! Let your voices be heard. Speak loud and speak proud. Be bold and unapologetically yourself! Don’t let anyone or anything dull your light… SHINE BRIGHT! Lastly, be who God created and called you to be… Black excellence!
Tiffany Hawkins-Eaton
What is your position and how long have you worked with rue21?
Store Manager in Maryland. I have been an SM for rue21 for four years. I started as an SM in Port Richey, FL.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
BHM is a time to reflect, celebrate, educate, and continue to create World History.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your heritage?
Research and further understanding like going to the National Museum of AAH&C. Everyone should visit at least three times.
Who is a Black public figure that you look up to and why?
Michelle Obama is by far a woman of grace, poise, and intellect that I admire.
Who in your life inspires you to be proud of your background?
My parents instilled in me a sense of pride and understanding of my existence as a Black woman.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to young Black children?
Don’t take the opportunity you have today for granted. Your ancestors worked hard for you to have them. Also, don’t let anyone dim your light.
Jenna Blair, Support Center
What is your position and how long have you worked with rue21?
I’m the Recruitment Coordinator, so I work on the Talent Acquisition team within the HR dept., and I’ve been with rue21 for 9 months. I started in May 2021 right after graduating from college.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month means honoring and embracing the rich history of the Black community. It is a time to reflect on the past and the accomplishments of Black historical figures that fought for the rights we have today. It is also a time to celebrate everything our community has achieved throughout the years.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate your heritage?
My favorite ways to celebrate my heritage are by listening to music produced by people in my community and embracing my naturally curly hair.
Who is a black public figure that you look up to and why?
Michelle Obama because she is so intelligent and well-spoken and Serena Williams because she is strong and has accomplished so much in her athletic career and as a businesswoman.
Who in your life inspires you to be proud of your background?
My peers growing up and my hometown. The school district I went to was diverse, so I was able to interact with kids from different backgrounds. Being able to connect and effectively communicate with a lot of different people is something I take pride in and something I attribute to where I grew up. My hometown inspired me to be proud of my background, embrace the things that make me different, and accept others’ differences as well.
What is a piece of advice you’d like to give to young black children?
In a world where there is so much darkness, be the light. Also, never apologize for being who you are.
We couldn’t imagine rue21 without these amazing, strong-willed team members. Stay tuned for more Black History Month insights from members of our rue21 community! Wishing you all a happy and healthy February!
We are also thrilled about our partnership with the LeBron James Family Foundation. We are proud to announce our support of their Loads of Love by rue21 laundry facility, providing free laundry services to the Foundation’s I PROMISE community.
