Uber is dedicated to celebrating our cities and the people that live in them. This February, we joined millions of Americans in celebrating the stories of those who came before us during Black History Month.

More than 300 African-American professionals from across the Bay Area gathered together at Uber HQ this month to sample local African-American art, music, and cuisine as well as participate in discussions with local non-profits.

Headshot-Full-2Uber teamed up with “Because of Them, We Can” (BOTWC) for the event, which featured a keynote discussion from photographer and activist Eunique Jones Gibson on the role technology can play in education. Gibson is the founder and creative storyteller behind BOTWC, a campaign designed to empower and excite young people about history and their future in a creative yet relatable way. The campaign features powerful photos and videos of children portraying powerful Black leaders, activists and celebrities such as Maya Angelou, Janelle Monae, and Langston Hughes. Gibson also previewed an announcement BOTWC will make next week on plans to use next generation tools to change how children experience history.

“Technology can play a powerful role in revolutionizing the way we learn about and experience history. Because of Them, We Can aims to celebrate the stories of Black leaders past and present through new forms of visual content and storytelling.”

Eunique Jones Gibson, Founder, Because of Them, We Can

“Black History Month is both a nod to the historical accomplishments within the Black Community as well as a celebration of history being made today. We are proud to celebrate our cities and the diversity of people who make them great.”

Joe Sullivan, Executive Sponsor, UberHUE

Photographer and Dreamer in Chief, Eunique Jones Gibson (orange shirt, blue blazer, curly hair), who created the "Because of Them, We Can" initiative drives around Ferguson, MO., on April 1, 2015 in a truck designed as a rolling billboard. Ms. Jones Gibson posed in front of billboards in the area. In some photographs, Christopher Crawford (bald, with beard), the marketing officer for the organization is seen. (Photo by Ashley Gilbertson / VII Photo)

We asked the Uber community to share why they celebrate Black History Month. Here’s what they said:

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uber_BHM_social-flipbook_1200x628_r1-2 Dashon, Uber Rider

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Edith, Uber Driver-Partner

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Jacqueline, Uber Rider

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Raymond, Uber Driver-Partner

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Tahirah, Uber Rider

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Marquette, Uber Rider

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Glenn, Uber Rider