Posted February 19, 2025
Growing up in the inner city of Cleveland, Marketing Coordinator Jesean Williams has always had an eye for business and expanding his knowledge.
"I was always interested in business, and I started my own bakery business selling cookies, selling pastries that my auntie makes, so I worked with her," Jesean said.
While in school, one of his teachers saw something in him and guided him to pursue a business major at Ohio University (OU).
"He [his teacher] was talking to me, saying that business might be my passion and business might be where I should go because I have a mind for it..." Jesean said.
After graduating high school, Jesean continued his studies at OU and started another business, a clothing line.
"I worked on the marketing, worked on the promo, worked on the clothing line designs," Jesean said.
His education didn't stop at a Bachelor's degree; Jesean decided to get his MBA while at OU to further his education.
"When I got my master's at Ohio University, I realized I wanted to do marketing or some type of advertising," Jesean said.
His job searches eventually led him here to Catholic Charities.
Black History Month is celebrated by various people, and for Jesean, black history means being better than the day before.
"Black history means, for me, since I am a black young man, just being better than yesterday," Jesean said.
He also mentions how he tries to be a role model for his younger siblings.
"I have a lot of younger siblings, so naturally, I'm the first person they look up to besides our parents," Jesean said.
When it comes to Black History Month, most people think about Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, but Jesean thinks of his peers.
"I have friends that are going to be doctors, going to be lawyers." Jesean said, "To me, that's black history because you don't really see that from where I came from,"
During this month, Jesean wants to remind people that education is key to becoming a better you.
"Educate yourself on certain prejudices... Just take your time and actually try to learn about someone or something first," Jesean said.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
