Across Borders and Boundaries: Pony Tsunotori’s Bright Vision for Black History Month
Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia Final Season Problogs
By Sterling, Founder of Black Cards Of History LLC
🌍 Introduction: The Joy of Cultural Exchange
Let me be real — I didn’t expect to give Pony Tsunotori a solid 9/10, but after thinking more about her personality and perspective, it became obvious: her lighthearted spirit is exactly what we need more of when celebrating something as rich and vital as Black History Month. She represents the kind of global heart that connects Black excellence not only to history but to present-day ambition, unity, and economic empowerment.
Being the born-and-bred American of Japanese descent, her approach to advocacy would likely come from a place of genuine curiosity, joy, and cross-cultural learning. She wouldn’t come in trying to be the loudest voice in the room — she’d come to listen, share, and uplift.
❤️ Her Heart & Humility
Pony is sweet, but don’t mistake that for a lack of depth. There’s a humility to her character — one that isn’t driven by ego or competition. Instead, she radiates warmth and a willingness to learn about others. That trait alone makes her a powerful ally in any cultural initiative, especially Black History Month.
Her heart would be in the right place. I imagine her asking meaningful questions like:
- “How can I help more people around the world learn about these stories?”
- “What voices aren’t being heard yet — and how can I use my platform to amplify them?”
Her empathy would be her biggest strength. She wouldn’t just “support” Black history — she’d celebrate it.
🌐 International Perspective: A Bridge Between Cultures
Let’s not forget: Pony is international. As an exchange student from the U.S. with Japanese-American roots, she embodies the idea of cultural blending, hence why I gave Pony a 9 instead of a perfect 10. That global viewpoint is exactly what makes her one of the most valuable characters when we talk about translating Black history for a global audience.
She’d likely bring stories not just from African American history, but also spotlight African nations, the Caribbean, Afro-Latinx communities, and Black pioneers in Europe and Asia. Her lens would be refreshing and global, opening new doors for those who usually only hear a limited version of the narrative.
She might even host a school event titled “Black Brilliance Without Borders” featuring food, dance, storytelling, and the economic contributions of Black figures from various nations.
📽️ As a YouTuber: “Across Borders: Black Achievements Around the Globe”
Pony’s YouTube video assignment would be as colorful and hopeful as she is.
In “Across Borders: Black Achievements Around the Globe”, she’d spotlight figures like:
- Dr. Wangari Maathai (Kenya): Environmental activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
- Yaa Asantewaa (Ghana): Queen Mother and warrior who resisted British colonization.
- Marsha P. Johnson (USA): A bold voice in LGBTQ+ rights and Black liberation.
- Mestre Bimba (Brazil): Who helped formalize Capoeira and preserve African heritage in South America.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat (USA/Haiti/Puerto Rico): Whose art fused identity, rebellion, and social commentary.
And she’d do it in her signature Pony way: visually engaging, animated, passionate, and with a curious tone that makes even the most academic viewers smile.
Imagine her ending the video with a message like:
“No matter where you’re from, Black history is world history — and every story adds strength to the movement.”
It’s simple, but powerful.
💼 Connecting Black Excellence to Ambition & Economic Justice
While Pony may not be a traditional activist, she’d still understand the power of economic justice — especially after learning how many Black inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders were historically overlooked, underpaid, or excluded.
She might:
- Support Black-owned businesses by hosting cultural fairs.
- Highlight inventors like Madam C.J. Walker, Garrett Morgan, or Dr. Shirley Jackson.
- Use her social media presence to talk about why access, opportunity, and visibility matter — especially for young Black entrepreneurs.
Through her cheerfulness, she’d create a welcoming space that connects ambition to real-world justice.
✨ Final Thoughts: Pony Earns Her 9/10
Pony Tsunotori may not be the flashiest name in the My Hero Academia universe, but in this Rise Beyond Legacy crossover, she becomes a radiant example of how joy, curiosity, and cultural respect can push Black History Month forward — globally.
Her vision wouldn’t just be about looking back at history — it would be about pushing it forward.
She reminds us: Advocacy isn’t just protest or policy. Sometimes, it’s celebration, curiosity, and the willingness to learn across borders.
That’s why she earns a strong 9/10.