Each year, as February approaches, Irella Blackwood feels a familiar excitement. For her, Black History Month is more than a celebration - it's a powerful reminder of the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history.
As a mother of three young children, she sees this month as an opportunity to share the legacies of trailblazers like George Washington Carver, Fannie Lou Hammer, Sojourner Truth, James Brown and Katherine Johnson. Their stories aren't just names in a textbook; they are beacons of perseverance, creativity, and excellence - values she hopes to instill in her three children.
While Irella has participated in previous Black History Month celebrations at San Francisco's City Hall, she believes true recognition goes beyond annual observances.
“We need to think about the next level which would be full economic inclusion in all aspects of society.”
A Life of Purpose and Service
Irella carries this vision into her professional life as well. As the auditor director for Business Services at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), she plays a crucial role in ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency. With a BA in economics from UC Berkeley, an MBA in finance from Holy Names University and a MS in law from UC Hastings, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. What's the most interesting part of her job? She says it's designing and performing special requests from team members across the agency that help their bureaus improve their operations.
A Mother's Gratitude and a Legacy of Resilience
Though Irella has built an impressive career, she knows she stands on the shoulders of those who came before her - especially her mother, Bertha Mae Cooper.
Bertha worked for the City and County of San Francisco as part of the administrative services for the youth intern programs before she attended City College of San Francisco and San Francisco State.
Her journey began in Marshall, Texas, before she moved to San Francisco with her parents in the 1950s as a part of the Great Migration. With no silver spoon but an abundance of faith, she raised her children with unwavering values: integrity, accountability, determination, optimism, truth, creativity, forgiveness and love.
“When I reflect on her life, I am amazed at everything she was able to accomplish,” Irella says. “She never gave up on me. She was my mom, and if you had met her, you might be inspired by her too.”
Now as a mother herself, Irella passes down those same values to her children, hoping they will carry them forward into the world.
For Irella, the essence of Black History Month is not just about remembering the past - it's about building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
"I believe the biggest lesson from Black History Month is to know that everyone is capable with the right drive, training and mentoring. Don’t make assumptions about anyone because of their physical differences. Everyone has a story to share.”