Legacy in Motion: Why Tenya Iida Would Be a Champion for Black History Month
Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia Final Season Problogs
By Sterling, Founder of Black Cards Of History LLC
Disclaimer: So, technically, even though Tenya's individual MHA fandom wiki page does say "Ida" (with 1 "i"), but I am going to go by what the individual box says, which says "Iida" (with 2 "i"'s) to save time.
Introduction
In a world obsessed with flash and flair, it’s easy to overlook those who move with quiet purpose and conviction. But if there’s one anime character from My Hero Academia whose sense of duty would make him a pillar in the celebration of Black excellence, it’s Tenya Iida. He’s not the loudest voice in the room — but he’s often the one making sure the conversation is organized, inclusive, and headed in the right direction.
As the founder of Black Cards Of History LLC, I often explore how fictional characters might engage with real-world movements. With Tenya Iida, the alignment with Black History Month feels effortless — and powerful.
The Organizer with a Vision: A 10/10 Ally
Tenya Iida is not just a rule-follower — he’s a rule-understander. He studies systems so he can improve them. That’s why, in my opinion, he scores a perfect 10/10 in this crossover series. His sense of civic duty and educational equity make him a natural fit for something as socially and historically layered as Black History Month.
Iida would approach the month with intention. Not out of obligation or performance, but because he understands the deep responsibility that comes with leadership. As class president, he already believes in fairness and equity. With Black History Month, that belief would evolve into action.
What Tenya Iida Would Actually Do for Black History Month
If Iida were in charge of school activities during Black History Month, we’d see impactful programming that went beyond surface-level performances. His agenda would be practical and transformative:
Guest Speaker Series: Iida would invite Black historians, civil rights lawyers, business leaders, and educators. His goal? To create a living curriculum that connected Black excellence to everyday systems like education, law, economics, and health.
Economic Justice Forums: What stands out to me most is how Iida would probably zero in on economic justice. He’s someone who values fairness in opportunity. I see him leading roundtable discussions about redlining, racial wealth gaps, and Black entrepreneurship, showing how historic inequalities continue to affect generations.
Study Groups + Curriculum Revisions: True to form, Iida wouldn’t just stop at assemblies and flyers. He’d be one of the few students actively recommending Black authors be included in the year-round reading list. People like Audre Lorde, W.E.B. Du Bois, or bell hooks would be central in his efforts to correct educational blind spots.
He wouldn’t treat Black History Month like a checkbox. He’d treat it as a mirror to society — and a call to action.
Humility and Ambition: How Iida Reflects the Spirit of Black Excellence
To me, the most striking thing about Tenya Iida is that he represents ambition without ego — a value rooted deeply in the lives of so many Black trailblazers. His personal ambition is never selfish. It’s tied to something greater. Just like the Black leaders he’d study and honor, Iida would strive to rise — not just for himself, but for those around him.
Whether it’s the unwavering work ethic of Shirley Chisholm, the quiet tenacity of Bayard Rustin, or the policy-focused brilliance of Sadie T. M. Alexander, Iida would find inspiration in those who changed systems with intellect, integrity, and intention.
He reminds me that ambition doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it just needs to be rooted in respect, equity, and community uplift.
If Iida Had a YouTube Video…
If Tenya Iida had a YouTube video done, it wouldn’t be for clout. It would be for clarity.
Video Title: "The Importance of Black History Month: Lessons for the Future"
What the Video Would Include:
- Sit-down interviews with Black educators, civil rights advocates, and students.
- A timeline of policy changes that impacted Black communities — from Jim Crow to present-day mass incarceration.
- Thoughtful commentary on why Black History Month is not just about remembering the past — it’s about shaping the ethical framework of the future.
- And yes — citations and recommended readings would be in the description box.
Iida’s video would be the kind of assignment teachers replay each year. Not because it’s flashy — but because it’s transformative.
Final Thoughts: Why Tenya Iida Would Rise Beyond Legacy
Tenya Iida reminds me that real change agents aren’t always charismatic or rebellious. Sometimes, they’re the ones reading, organizing, and listening. And that’s what makes him a Black History Month MVP in this Rise Beyond Legacy x My Hero Academia series.
As a Black entrepreneur and creative, I believe we need more leaders like Iida — people who know the value of history and the necessity of equity. Not just for a month. But every single day.
Because rising beyond legacy means creating one with substance.
And Iida? He gets that.