The Importance of Black History Month to Kristin Thomas-Chandler
During Black History Month, Revry is spotlighting the voices of Black creatives. From content creators to executives, we’ve asked questions to those that inspire us to tell us what’s on their mind. The interview questions remain the same throughout, but the answers provide a unique view of every single person.
Kristin Thomas-Chandler is Revry’s Sales Manager. With over 15 years of experience, Kristin brings a wealth of knowledge to Revry’s sales team, specializing in brand integrations. Born in Washington, DC and based in North Carolina, Kristin has been able to meet and curate relationships with brands worldwide to match with the LGBTQ community. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Kristin studied Communications and Film. In 2020, Thomas was introduced to Revry, and has never looked back. Happy to be able to bring her experience in film, marketing, and branded entertainment to her executive role as Sales Manager at Revry. Thomas resides in Asheville, NC with her wife, little girl and curly cockapoo.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month has meant many things over the years. I went to Appalachian State University and was the only Black person much of my time there. So, during this time I started to feel the importance of Black History Month. And how being Black is powerful and should be celebrated daily but especially in Feb. When I got married, my wife who’s Caucasian started doing celebrations during Black History Month for me. This made me think about how I can share my Black Girl Magic to others. Tell others about our history and why this month is so important. Feb is the month where my Blackness gets celebrated without hate. Racism still exists so to have a month where I can speak loudly about what it means to be Black in America is special. The shortest month of the year but a month filled with love and history to me.
Who is someone you look to for inspiration?
Easy, my mother! My mother, the Army nurse and a woman that never took someone saying, ‘no you can’t’ as a dealbreaker. She taught me about having a strong work ethic and why it was important when you’re Black. She taught me that people will think less of you just because of the color of skin, and to always prove them wrong. As a Black woman in business she fought to get her leadership role harder than others had to. She inspires me to be at the top of my game but to do it with kindness. To fight racism with wisdom and kindness. She said when you're kind to your haters it throws them off their tracks. Be the person that provokes change in that person, not the person that provoked them to continue to hate.