Celebrating Black History: Degion Shares the Significance of Black Culture and Community at Dell

Degion C. | Senior Advisor, Talent Acquisition | Florida, United States

Originally Published: February 1, 2024

I serve as a Diversity Campus Program Manager at Dell Technologies with the Changing the Face of Tech (CFT) team. I build pipelines of African American and Hispanic/Latinx candidates through strong relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Diversity Partner programs. Growing up in Queens, New York and South Florida as the proud son of a Jamaican immigrant, I became the first in my family to earn three degrees—a significant achievement as a first-generation graduate. My journey included obtaining a bachelor's degree in business from Florida A&M University and pursuing two master's degrees—an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a master's in digital marketing from Full Sail University. Outside of work, I love staying active, traveling, listening to audiobooks, cooking, meditating and sipping mushroom coffee (trust me, it's a game-changer – it's a healthier swap for regular coffee and great for your gut health). Fun fact: Before joining Dell, I dedicated seven years to educating more than 5000 high schoolers and college students from HBCUs in business and marketing.

What do you love most about Black culture?

I adore how Black culture transforms simple things into something truly special by infusing them with soul, creativity, magic and swagger. There's this enchanting quality to Black culture that elevates the ordinary, making everyday life more vibrant and full of flavor and style. It's like adding a dash of something extraordinary to the routine, making everything feel more alive and spirited.

How do you see the importance of Black History Month in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Black culture and its contributions in today's society?          

Black History Month (BHM) holds immense significance for me. It allows us to understand and appreciate Black culture, highlighting achievements, struggles and the extraordinary history of the Black community. During this month, we honor the diverse accomplishments of Black inventors, scientists, artists and political leaders, promoting education about and recognition of their historical and cultural contributions to society. It's an opportunity to celebrate traditions, art, music, stories and food. BHM is crucial for promoting an inclusive, appreciative and equitable society. It’s a time for reflection and commitment to a future that values diversity and equality.

BHM inspires me to pursue my dreams and do good things, regardless of my background. It facilitates open dialogue about the Black community's challenges, encouraging empathy and understanding for a united and compassionate society.

Can you tell us about a personal achievement or project within the Black Networking Alliance Employee Resource Group (BNA ERG) that you're particularly proud of and that has made a positive impact?

This isn't just a project or an achievement for me; it's a moment that will stay with me forever. As a BNA community, I'm incredibly proud we came together for something important. On May 14, 2022, a heartbreaking mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, taking a toll on our broader community. The shooter took ten Black lives, and three others were injured. This tragic event not only saddened our city but also highlighted the significant problem of gun violence affecting the Black community across the nation.

Along with the BNA Northeast/Hopkinton Chapter, I had the opportunity to help plan and co-host a virtual vigil to honor and pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the Buffalo Massacre. It was a way for our community to come together, show support and address the impact of such violence on our lives.

What do you wish others knew about Black culture? I wish others would know that Black culture is transcendent, trailblazing, game-changing and beautiful to me. Black culture is Black history. It’s Maya Angelou. It’s Ruby Bridges. It’s HBCUs. It’s the Obama family. It’s hip-hop and R&B. It’s the hoop earring Michael Jordan wore. It’s the afro from the 80s. It’s Dr. King’s “I Have Dream” speech. Despite facing challenges, the Black community exudes resilience and a triumphant spirit, leaving its mark on American history. That’s what Black culture is all about.

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