GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — As we continue to celebrate Black History Month we're introducing you to Hannah Beauchamp-Pope, a local UW-Green Bay student who said she isn't afraid to speak up for what is right.
Beauchamp-Pope describes her childhood in Northeast Wisconsin as a lot different than most people she grew up with.
“Growing up in Green Bay as not only a black woman but as a biracial woman had its challenges,” Beauchamp-Pope said.
Surrounded by very few people who looked like her, she said feelings of isolation and exclusion were all too common.
“From the constant unannounced touching of the hair to, 'What are you really?' To are you sure you are not adopted?” Beauchamp-Pope said.
But even so, those experiences have proved instrumental in her upbringing, making her even more resilient.
She’s not only the president of the Black Student Union at UW-Green Bay, but she’s also a board member for Leaders Igniting Transformation, a non-profit working to build homegrown leadership.
“I would say this is probably one of my greatest achievements. I’m making the changes I want to see,” Beauchamp-Pope said.
She was one of dozens who not only marched following the death of George Floyd, but she also led some of those rallies too.
“As I sit here and look across the boardwalk, I definitely remember marching with my friends and protesting,” Beauchamp-Pope said as she looked across Downtown Green Bay.
And at the Neville Public Puseum, Beauchamp-Pope’s story is being featured in one of their newest exhibits.
Her hope is to continue to inspire more people across the Green Bay community.
“I hope if these younger girls do come and they see my picture and read about my story, they learn, "Turn your pain into passion.' All the things that held you back. You can use your pain to be your purpose and make it better for other people who might experience the same things,” Beauchamp-Pope said.
One step at a time, she hopes those who may have had similar experiences as she did growing up can find a sense of belonging in their own community.
