celebrating our history

BLACK ACTIVISTS

Harriett Tubman- Abolitionist who dedicated her time to guiding escaped slaves to get to freedom during the Underground Railroad movement.

Annie Lee Cooper- Fought for the rights of Black Americans during the Selma movement.

Phillis Wheatley- First African American to publish a book of poetry

Patrisse Cullors- Devoted herself to criminal justice reform and the liberation of Black, impoverished, disabled, LGBTQ and other marginalized communities.

Young (Whitney)- During World War II, he developed relationships with whites to influence public policy to benefit the Black poor and working class.

Bessie Coleman- First African American woman to become a licensed pilot

Langston Hughes- American poet, novelist, columnist, and social activist

Arthur Ashe- First Black tennis player to be selected for the United States Davis Cup Team

Claudette Colvin- Before Rosa park, refused to sit on the back of the bus at 15 years old

Kobe Bryant- NBA star, humanitarian

H.E.R- Uses her musical platform to create positive change while advocating on behalf of women

Ibram X. Kendi- A founding father of anti-racist research

Shirley Chisholm- First black woman elected to Congress

Tarana Burke- Founder of the #MeToo Movement

Octavius V. Catto- Fought for the abolition of slavery and implementation of civil rights

Rosa Parks- Civil Rights Activist and secretary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Yamiche Alcindor- Reporter who covered race, and social justice

Martin Luther King- Civil Rights Leader who fought against racial inequality — Famous Speech; ‘I HAVE A DREAM.’

Obama (Barack)- First African American president + The 44th President of the USA

Nipsey Hussle- Rapper who focused on “giving solutions and inspiration” to young Black men. He denounced gun violence through his music.

Tiger Woods- First black man to win on a golf course. Golf was predominately white, as blacks were banned.

Houston (Whitney)- Founded a non-profit organization ‘The Whitney Foundation for children, to protect homeless, AIDS-infected and needy children.

References:

30 civil rights leaders of the past and present. (2023, February 8). Oprah Daily. https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/g35181270/civil-rights-leaders/

31 history-making Black Americans everyone should know. (2023, February 1). Oprah Daily. ​​https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g25954127/african-american-historical-figures/

9 African American inventors who changed the world. (2023, January 27). BahaiTeachings.org. https://bahaiteachings.org/african-american-inventions-that-changed-the-world/

About. (2022, May 2). NAACP. https://naacp.org/about

African American heroes. (n.d.). National Geographic. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/topic/african-american-heroes

Notable African Americans who helped change the world. (2023, February 14). 6abc Philadelphia. https://6abc.com/black-history-month-notable-african-americans-most-influential-famous-people/5888312/

The NSLS. (n.d.). Celebrating some of the most influential African American leaders. NSLS | The National Society of Leadership and Success. https://www.nsls.org/blog/african-american-leaders-in-history

Roberts, A. (2022, March 1). 10 Black Canadians who played a big role in Canadian history. Slice. https://www.slice.ca/black-canadians-who-played-a-big-role-in-canadian-history/