
February is Black History Month! Black history is American history – the inventions, innovations, and contributions of Black people and Black culture are important to the foundation of our nation and what it offers to its people. This Black History Month, let’s acknowledge some of our Black leaders, creators, innovators, and visionaries who have impacted our world by sharing their knowledge, courage and dedication with us all – and we will start with letters A-G! By the end of this, with all of the resources and tools, you can find some Black history to fill in letters H-Z!
A
A is for Maya Angelou (1924-2014), an African-American poet, storyteller, activist and writer. She wrote seven autobiographies, three essay collections, and several poetry books. Angelou also appeared in plays, films, and TV shows over a career spanning more than fifty years. Maya Angelou was recognized with numerous awards and honors from universities, literary groups, government bodies, and organizations.
B
B is for Guion Bluford (born in 1942), the first African-American astronaut to travel to space. He worked as a mission specialist on the 1983 space shuttle Challenger mission and participated in three other missions, totaling over 28 days in space!
C
C is for Bessie Coleman (1892-1926), the first African-American woman to obtain an international pilot’s license, despite facing many obstacles because of her race and gender. She would say that “the air is the only place free from prejudice.”
D
D is for Dr. Charles Drew (1904-1950), an African-American surgeon and scientist. Although Dr. Drew was the first African-American to earn a doctorate in medical science from Columbia University in 1940, he is most famously known for his improvements and strides made with blood work and blood banks, which saved thousands of lives during World War II.
E
E is for Annie Easley (1933-2011), a computer scientist and mathematician who was one out of four Black staff hired at NASA in 1955. Her tenacious research and work in STEM helped get Americans on the moon! You can see a depiction of her work in the movie Hidden Figures.
F
F is for Aretha Franklin (1942-2018), an African-American singer, songwriter and musician. Franklin is one of the most celebrated artists in Grammy history, with 18 competitive Grammy Awards and two honorary Grammys. Additionally, she achieved over one million sales for 14 singles, more than any other female artist. Known as the “Queen of Soul,” she was ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” and became the first female artist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
G
G is for George Washington Gibbs, Jr. (1916-2000), a Naval Officer and the first African-American sailor to reach Antarctica, earning him the silver US Antarctic Expedition Medal. He was selected for the expedition and wasn’t allowed to work any other job other than janitor due to being Black, but throughout the expedition, Gibbs Jr. constantly rose to challenges and showed that he was worthy of the title “Sailor.” He went on to become a civil rights activist and organizer in the 1960s and continued to challenge racism.
These are just some pioneers of Black history. These are just a few stories out of thousands of other Black stories that inspire, explore, create, and pave the way for new generations, new expeditions, and new brave ideas. One way to contribute to Black history? Always be willing to learn more about Black history. Share a fun fact with a friend. Read books about Black engineers, Black doctors, Black inventors, Black teachers, Black writers – Black people! And remember, you are a part of history, too. Go make some magic! Although Black history is every day, happy Black History Month!
Here are some books and media about Black history that may interest, educate, and INSPIRE you!
Rise: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus; foreword by Colin A. Johnson; illustrations by Tonya Engel
“A biography of African American writer, performer, and activist Maya Angelou, who turned a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime. Includes afterword, author’s note, and sources.”
-Provided by Publisher
28 Days: Moments In Black History That Changed The World by Charles R. Smith; read by a multi-cast
The 28 days of Black History Month are commemorated with descriptions of the men, women, and events that have been vital in defining the understanding of African-American history. The entries move chronologically from 1770 to the present, and encompass all walks of life. A final 29th day challenges listeners to make their own historical contributions.
Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales Of Black Girl Magic Edited By Lilly Workneh; Foreword By Cashawn Thompson
The 28 days of Black History Month are commemorated with descriptions of the men, women, and events that have been vital in defining the understanding of African-American history. The entries move chronologically from 1770 to the present, and encompass all walks of life. A final 29th day challenges listeners to make their own historical contributions.
Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman’s Dreams Took Flight by Karyn Parsons; Illustrated By R. Gregory Christie
“The story of Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn her pilot’s license.”
-Provided by Publisher
Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies by Writer And Consultant, Mireille Harper
“Amazing visual timelines take readers through the people and the issues that have shaped Black history. Erased. Ignored. Hidden. Lost. Under appreciated. No longer. Delve into the unique, inspiring, and world-changing history of Black people. From Frederick Douglass to Oprah Winfrey, and the achievements of ancient African kingdoms to those of the US Civil Rights Movement, Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies takes kids on an exceptional journey from prehistory to modern times. This DK children’s book boasts more than 30 visual timelines, which explore the biographies of the famous and the not-so-famous – from royalty to activists, and writers to scientists, and much, much more. Stunning thematic timelines also explain the development of Black history – from the experiences of black people in the US, to the story of postcolonial Africa. Did you know that the richest person ever to have lived was a West African? Or that the technology that made the light bulb possible was developed by African American inventor, and not Thomas Edison? How about the fact that Ethiopia was the only African country to avoid colonization, thanks to the leadership of a brave queen? Stacked with facts and visually vibrant, Timelines From Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies is an unforgettable and accessible hive of information on the people and the issues that have shaped Black history.”
-Provided by publisher
Young, Gifted And Black Too by Jamia Wilson; Illustrations Andrea Pippins
“Meet 52 more Black icons from past and present.”
Cover
Abc Black History And Me: An Inspirational Journey Through Black History, From A To Z by Queenbe Monyei
From A is for Advocate to Z is for Zest, each letter of the alphabet is paired with inspirational historical concepts in this 9×9-inch board book. Along with the upbeat, rhyming text covering both well-known and more obscure topics, are colorful illustrations that promote an excitement and curiosity about Black American history. Covering trailblazers from A to Z but also chronologically, this book features a visual timeline with additional information for more in-depth learning on the people, places, and events discussed. From Harriet Tubman and Fanny Jackson Coppin to Amanda Gorman and Ketanji Brown Jackson, ABC Black History and Me covers more than 170 years in a short board book appropriate for the little ones. This book is not only perfect for getting toddlers comfortable with their ABCs, but also for reflecting on how we are all affected by this history and how even the youngest of children will affect the future.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men In Black History by Vashti Harrison With Kwesi Johnson
Among these biographies, listeners will find aviators and artists, politicians, and pop culture icons. The men featured include writer James Baldwin, artist Aaron Douglas, photographer Gordon Parks, diplomat Kofi Annan, comic book author Dwayne McDuffie, and musician Prince.