6 Important People to Remember for Black History Month

Every year, we celebrate black history month for the past contributions and recent accomplishments of Black Americans.

The United States trudged through many struggles before becoming “the shining city on a hill.” Americans went through several tribulations, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War.

Despite these events, prejudice against Black people lingered. In response, some of them continued the pursuit of their rights as Americans.

Eventually, African Americans succeeded in abolishing biased laws and earning equality. This helped following generations to achieve greatness in numerous areas.

This Black History Month, learn why we honor this tradition every year. What’s more, know the black Americans who have made their mark on history.

When is Black History Month?

The US celebrates Black History Month or African American History Month every February.

It’s not the only nation that celebrates this tradition, though. Canada also observes this occasion in the same month.

Other European countries have the same annual celebration. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland also follows this tradition, but in October.

These nations had a history of black prejudice and struggled to end it. The US was the first to hold the annual tradition, and these countries soon followed this example.

How It Started

Black History Month was started by Harvard graduate and historian Carter G. Woodson.

In 1915, he traveled from Washington, DC, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of emancipation. The national celebration featured the progress of black Americans after ending slavery.

Then, Woodson created an association that honors the study of African American life and history (ASALH) on September 9, 1915.

Then, he urged black civic organizations to promote the study of Negro life and history. In February 1926, Woodson publicly announced Negro History Week.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month. He urged the public to:

“seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Important People to Remember

Nowadays, the US recognizes the contributions of African Americans in several ways.

Film screenings and museum exhibits highlight their achievements during this month. Also, some universities feature exceptional black people to share their struggles and successes.

More importantly, it encourages people to learn more about Black History Month people all year.

Historical Figures

Following the Black History Month tradition, here are some iconic figures of black history.

Moreover, we included individuals that most people may not know. Nevertheless, we’ll show you why more people should recognize them.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Of course, no historical African American figure is more iconic than MLK.

He was a Baptist minister by trade in the city of Montgomery. More importantly, he was a civil rights activist who fought against white and black Americans’ segregation.

Unfortunately, he was killed by a white man in 1968. In response, many people mourned and rioted across the world.

Nowadays, the US celebrates a federal holiday on the third Monday of every January in his honor. His unforgettable “I have a dream” speech still resonates during Black History Month.

Rosa Parks

She was another ally in Montgomery in the civil rights movement for black Americans.

Rosa Parks is celebrated for her refusal to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger. Along with her subsequent arrest, she was hailed as the “Mother of the Freedom Movement.”

Similar to King, Rosa Parks made significant steps in attaining basic human rights for all Black Americans.

Claudette Colvin

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Rosa Parks wasn’t the first black woman to fight against biased bus systems.

Other black women have fought against these racist laws, and Claudette Colvin was one of them.

On March 2, 1955, she also refused to give up her seat on a bus home from school. Similar to Parks, Colvin was even handcuffed and arrested.

We must celebrate on Black History Month her success in the Browder v. Gayle court case. It overturned bus segregation laws in Alabama and Montgomery, and Colvin was one of the plaintiffs.

However, people haven’t recognized Claudette Colvin hasn’t been recognized in back then for several reasons.

She didn’t tell people about her story even after moving to New York City. Back then, most folks were talking about black enterprises and Malcolm X.

Also, Colvin said the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) preferred Rosa Parks. The group thought Colvin was too young, and the middle class related better with Parks.

Modern Day Important People

Besides commemorating the past, Black History Month also venerates the present.

Historical African American figures didn’t just fight for their equal rights during the time. They hoped that it would enable future black Americans to achieve great things.

Thanks to their struggle, we now have African Americans who made great strides in their careers. More importantly, we celebrate how these figures have improved Black American lives.

Oprah Winfrey

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

She became the first black anchorwoman for a nightly news program in Nashville.

A decade later, Oprah Winfrey became the host of AM Chicago. After a year, it was renamed the Oprah Winfrey Show, the highest-rated daytime talk show ever.

Eventually, she became the first African American billionaire. She also created the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in 1997, a school in South Africa.

Oprah also lobbied for the National Child Protection Act, which President Bill Clinton signed in December 1993. Today, her website continues to promote Black History Month and African American achievements.

Condoleezza Rice

Dr. Condoleezza Rice was born in 1954 in Alabama.

She was the first black American and the first woman to serve as provost of Stanford University.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed her as a national security adviser. She was the first black woman to serve this government role.

Also, Rice was the first African American woman to serve as Secretary of State (2005-2009). She dedicated her department to “Transformational Democracy,” intending to build and sustain democratic states worldwide.

Barack Obama

Photo Credit: Wikipedia President Barack Obama is photographed during a presidential portrait sitting for an official photo in the Oval Office, Dec. 6, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

He’s the first African American president of the United States.

Undoubtedly, Barack Obama deserves to be celebrated during Black History Month. His administration assisted the black American community in various ways.

During his term, he lowered the poverty rate and unemployment rate of black Americans. Also, more old black people had health insurance, and more African Americans graduated high school.

Moreover, Obama helped young men and boys of color to achieve their full potential. He launched the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative to provide them with more opportunities.

Final Thoughts

No matter what happens, the United States celebrates Black History Month.

To honor the study of African American life and history.

Despite the pandemic, there are ways to celebrate Black History via social media. For example, you may promote other black Americans who are helping people of color.

Read about black American people from online resources, then share them with friends. You may also stream online series and movies regarding black history.

More importantly, report any incident of harm against African Americans. You may also follow online groups that advocate for the black community.

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