Black History Month, celebrated in February in America, shines a much needed light on significant black icons throughout history. Some have had an astonishing effect on the world, and others are just plain heroic. Here are some of the most important black figures you should remember this Black History Month.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Of course everyone should know who Martin is. He is a great figure in African-American history, and he should be remembered. Martin was a huge activist for civil rights, and led the movement to end segregation in the United States. He also led a movement to end prejudiced views against him and other black people, which at the time was incredibly common and widely ‘acceptable’.
He of course is known for his famous speeches, including the iconic and moving ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Martin was a monumental influence in the US, leading thousands of others in peaceful marches. A march on Washington in 1963 led by Martin resulted in the legislation of the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act. These Acts have had a huge impact on the lives of millions of African-Americans. One year after these Acts were created, he was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.
Unfortunately, he was eventually assassinated. But his legacy and mark on America will always remain. He is a key figure in the African-American fight for equality. This year should have seen his 93rd birthday.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X was an activist who also played a massive role in the civil rights movement. Similar to Martin, Malcolm encouraged people to join the civil rights movement. He unfortunately caused controversy at the time, for telling African-Americans to defend themselves against the aggression of white people. Although he was completely justified, a lot of people at the time took it to mean he was encouraging mindless violence. Because of this, he was seen very differently to Martin, despite both having the same goal. Malcolm pioneered the idea of black power, along with other important movements which focussed on black identity and independence.
Malcolm was incredibly passionate about the treatment of black people in the US. In 1965, he founded the Organisation of Afro-American Unity, as a way to internationalise the fairer treatment of Black Americans. During his time as an activist, Malcolm unfortunately became an enemy of the Nation of Islam, after he was briefly a member of the group. Eventually, members of Nation of Islam assassinated Malcolm, while he was delivering a lecture in Washington Heights, in 1965. He is a very important part of Black American History, as he was one of the first figures to advocate for black power. He was incredibly misunderstood as an activist.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born in 1820, and straight into a life of slavery. By the age of five she was working full time as a servant to her owners neighbours. She was always very resistant to slavery; when she was 12, she attempted to prevent a slave from being beaten. This resulted in her suffering a blow to the head, which would effect her physically for the rest of her life. Her constant battle for freedom eventually resulted in her escaping through the ‘Underground Railroad’. This was created by both black and white abolitionists, with the goal to free hundreds of slaves through escape routes and safe houses. In 1849, Harriet escaped through the Underground Railroad with two of her brothers.
Although she had successfully escaped, Harriet used this experience as an opportunity to free 70 more slaves. She was very familiar with the routes of the Underground Railroad, which resulted in many people gaining their freedom. She was never caught and successfully freed every person that she tried to.
After her life as a slave (and time spent freeing others) Harriet became a nurse. She also spent her later years taking care of the elderly. She was a natural-born caring and loving woman. Her bravery and resistance to slavery should always be recognised by everybody. She died in 1913. It should be noted that, as a black woman living in the 19th century, she would have faced a horrific life both as a slave and as a free woman. Her determination to help others is incredibly noble.
I could write about hundreds of black American icons, and it is so hard to pick just a few. So, here are some more influential black figures that everybody should know.
Richard Allen
Richard Allen was a minister and former slave, who started the first independent black denomination in the United States. He decided to form his own church, as black people were not allowed in churches at the time.
Maya Angelou
A writer and poet who focussed on the struggles of black people in her works. I recommend reading her poem ‘Still I Rise’, and her autobiography ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’.
Rosa Parks
A civil rights activist who played a pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott; a movement which helped end segregation. She famously told a white man she would not give up her seat for him, leading to her arrest.
Ruby Bridges
Ruby was the first African-American student to join an all-white school. She was just six at the time, facing a monumental amount of prejudice. Despite this, she never had a day off.
Jackie Robinson
The first African-American who played for a major league baseball team, in 1947. This was the beginning of an end to segregation in American sports.
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