February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month
As Black History Month is wrapping up, this is a wonderful time to celebrate a history of change and black excellence. There are so many great leaders and inspirational folks that we can remember and applaud from this time. Black History Month actually started being relevant in 1926, and it was started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. It was first established in the second week of February as “Negro History Week” to encompass the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Two pivotal people that were symbols of freedom in this country. It was officially declared an entire month in 1976. Here are just a few short profiles on Black leaders that changed the course of history by TopLine DEIA Member, Alex Williams.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Maya Angelou became the first black woman to appear on the US quarter.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
Marie was born in Queens, New York, and worked as a full-time nurse. Her husband, was an electronic technician. They both worked irregular hours, and Brown was often left home alone. When crime rates began to affect her community, Brown grew fearful of answering the door. With the help of her husband, she devised the first home security system. It had four peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, two-way microphones and a panic button to notify police of emergencies. Brown patented her invention in 1969. Brown’s initial invention was the foundation of most home security systems that are around today! She was recognized in the New York Times and received an award from the National Scientists Committee for her work. As more home security systems came to the market, Brown's initial invention became even more influential. Her invention was cited in at least 32 future patent applications. Unfortunately, after her successful patent application in 1969, the media coverage of her product ceased. The home security business is expected to be at least a $1.5B business and is expected to triple by 2024.
Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr.
He was an African-American inventor, businessman, and community leader. His most notable inventions were a three-position traffic signal and a smoke hood notably used in a 1916 tunnel construction disaster rescue. In the early 1900’s, traffic was dangerous with humans, bicycles, cars, horses and wagons on the roads. After witnessing a bad accident, Garrett Morgan invented the first traffic signal to tell travelers when to stop, go and slow down. This eventually led to the traffic lights we know today!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
One of the most significant leaders when it came to civil rights. His famous speech “I Have a Dream”, brought more than 200,000 people to the Lincoln memorial to hear his powerful words. He spoke of peace, of people being able to live together in harmony, and for us to learn to love. He has inspired many, and this world may have looked significantly different without his contributions to the movement.
Harriet Tubman
Fearless leader in the civil rights movement. She escaped from slavery in 1849, and did everything in her power to get as many people as she could out of slavery. She saved over 300 people from slavery. She did this with her strength, grit, and determination to do what was right. She was nicknamed "Moses" comparing her work in the civil war to Moses leading the Hebrews to freedom in Egypt. She was tough, and persistent, there was nobody that would stop her. Harriet also served as a nurse during the Civil War, and in 1863 became the first woman to lead an armed assault. In her later years, she was an active voice for women's suffrage. She traveled to New York and Washington D.C to speak on her actions in the civil era, and the constant sacrifices of women in history. She is an Icon and an inspiration to African Americans fighting for equality and civil rights, and will continue to be that face of hope and strength in the future.
We encourage everyone to continue learning about black history and it's impact on society even after Black History Month has ended!