Black History Month officially began in 1976, and now it is being taken away. To be honest, Black history should be an ongoing pursuit throughout the year.
I’ve chosen to share highlights of 15 African Americans—not ranked by level of excellence, because they are ALL excellent! Confronted with adversity and racism, many lived with courage, creativity, and resilience. May we live our lives with deep respect for Black history and its rich culture.
Shirley Chisholm
Born: November 30, 1924 – Brooklyn, NY
Died: January 1, 2005
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer in American politics, becoming the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968. A fearless advocate for racial and gender equality, she made history again in 1972 as the first Black woman to run for President under a major political party. Her legacy is one of determination, breaking barriers, and unapologetic leadership.
Lewis H. Latimer
Born: September 4, 1848 – Chelsea, MA
Died: December 11, 1928
Lewis Latimer was a brilliant inventor and engineer whose contributions helped shape modern technology. He worked alongside Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, improving the carbon filament for the lightbulb and making electric lighting more affordable. Despite racial barriers, his ingenuity and perseverance left a lasting impact on the world.
Thurgood Marshall
Born: July 2, 1908 – Baltimore, MD
Died: January 24, 1993
Thurgood Marshall dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. As the lead attorney in Brown v. Board of Education, he played a crucial role in dismantling school segregation. In 1967, he became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, using his position to defend civil rights and expand freedoms for all Americans.
Althea Gibson
Born: August 25, 1927 – Clarendon County, SC
Died: September 28, 2003
Althea Gibson broke racial barriers in sports, becoming the first Black athlete to win a Grand Slam tennis title. She won both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 1957 and 1958, paving the way for future Black athletes like Venus and Serena Williams. Her talent and resilience opened doors that had long been closed to people of color in professional sports.
B.B. King
Born: September 16, 1925 – Itta Bena, MS
Died: May 14, 2015
B.B. King, known as the “King of the Blues,” revolutionized the music industry with his soulful voice and masterful guitar playing. His influence spanned generations, shaping blues and rock music as we know it today. With his iconic guitar, Lucille, he brought blues to the world stage and became one of the most celebrated musicians in history.
Josephine Baker
Born: June 3, 1906 – St. Louis, MO
Died: April 12, 1975
Josephine Baker was more than just a world-renowned dancer and singer; she was also a fearless activist. She rose to fame in France, defying racism in the United States, and later worked as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II. She was also a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, refusing to perform for segregated audiences.
Jan E. Matzeliger
Born: September 15, 1852 – Paramaribo, Suriname
Died: August 24, 1889
Jan Matzeliger’s invention of the lasting machine transformed the shoe industry, making quality footwear affordable for everyday people. His work revolutionized mass production, yet he received little recognition during his lifetime. His contributions remain an essential part of industrial history.
Arthur Ashe
Born: July 10, 1943 – Richmond, VA
Died: February 6, 1993
Arthur Ashe was a tennis legend and humanitarian. As the first Black man to win a Grand Slam, he used his platform to advocate for social justice, education, and HIV/AIDS awareness. Despite facing racial discrimination, he carried himself with grace and became a role model for generations.
Maya Angelou
Born: April 4, 1928 – St. Louis, MO
Died: May 28, 2014
Maya Angelou’s words continue to inspire and uplift. A poet, author, and activist, she documented the Black experience with raw honesty in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Her powerful storytelling and unwavering spirit made her a literary icon and a voice for justice and dignity.
Billie Holiday
Born: April 7, 1915 – Philadelphia, PA
Died: July 17, 1959
Billie Holiday’s voice carried pain, resilience, and truth. Her song Strange Fruit, a haunting protest against lynching, became an anthem of the Civil Rights Movement. Despite facing immense personal struggles, she remains one of the greatest jazz singers of all time.
Carter G. Woodson
Born: December 19, 1875 – New Canton, VA
Died: April 3, 1950
Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week in 1926, which later became Black History Month. He was a historian, author, and educator who worked tirelessly to document and celebrate the contributions of African Americans
Mahalia Jackson
Born: October 26, 1911 – New Orleans, LA
Died: January 27, 1972
Mahalia Jackson’s voice was more than music—it was a force for change. As the “Queen of Gospel,” she inspired millions with her spiritual songs and played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, performing before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Langston Hughes
Born: February 1, 1902 – Joplin, MO
Died: May 22, 1967
Langston Hughes was one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance. His poetry and prose captured the beauty, struggles, and pride of Black life in America. His works, like The Weary Blues and I, Too, remain timeless pieces of American literature.
Benjamin Banneker
Born: November 9, 1731 – Baltimore County, MD
Died: October 9, 1806
Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who helped design Washington, D.C. He was also an advocate for racial equality, challenging Thomas Jefferson on the issue of slavery. His almanacs and scientific contributions showcased Black excellence in the 18th century.
Frederick Douglass
Born: February 14, 1818– Cordova, MD
Died: February 20, 1895
Douglass was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. He became the most important leader of the movement for African-American civil rights in the 19th century.
Closing Thoughts
These individuals represent just a fraction of the brilliance, resilience, and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Their legacy serves as a reminder that Black history is American history, and it should be honored and studied beyond just one month.
May we continue to celebrate, educate, and amplify Black voices every day.