By: BHS Features Staff
February 7, 2024
Every February, we celebrate Black History Month because it creates more focus and appreciation to the contributions of African-Americans throughout the decades.
We honor and pay tribute to those who went through a lot of hardships, all due to the color of their skin. However, they all had one common similarity: Perseverance.
Ever since 1976, every U.S. president has agreed to devote the month of February as Black History Month.
While there are many who deserve honor and praise, here are some of the individuals who we wanted to highlight.
Rosa Parks: On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama. Her arrest launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott by 17,000 black citizens. She is considered the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: In 1957, Martin Luther King, Jr. was elected as president of the Southern Christian Leadership, now called the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King traveled over six million miles and also spoke out over 2,500 times, speaking wherever there was injustice and leading peaceful protests and action. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was arrested more than 20 times. However, his contributions fueled the movement for equality for all.
Harriett Tubman: Harriett Tubman started helping slaves escape their owners in December of 1850. She saved around 300 people and helped them gain their individual freedom. She became the conductor of the underground railroad(s). Tubman also served as a scout, guerrilla soldier, spy, and was a nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She did amazing things and helped multiple people.
Larry Doby: Larry Doby was one of the first African-Americans to play Major League Baseball. We all know Jackie Robinson’s story and success as the first black, professional baseball player. Similarly, Doby was the first black American League baseball player. In 1948, he led the Cleveland Indians to a World Series championship. Doby was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal. His son Larry Doby, Jr. accepted the medal in his honor.
Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant was a famous African-American basketball player who won multiple awards in his lifetime, such as five NBA Championships, 2008 MVP Award with the Los Angeles Lakers, an Academy Award, etc. He was very inspiring, always known for his kindness and dignity. Unfortunately, on January 26, 2020, Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gigi, along with several others.
Eugene Jacques Bullard: Eugene Bullard was an American volunteer in the French army and then became the first African-American military pilot and one of only a few African-American pilots that were in World War I. Bullard left home at age 11 to travel the world. By 1913, he settled in France as a prizefighter. When WWI started in 1914, he enlisted in the French Foreign Legion and rose to the rank of Corporal. Sadly in 1961 at age 66, he passed away.
As previously mentioned, the names above are just a few of the many contributors who helped level the playing field for African-Americans.
It is important to celebrate February with dignity and respect, while also learning the facts about those who fought for equality.
Happy Black History Month, Brooklyn!
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 