Harriet Tubman 
Harriet Tubman was an amazing woman; an abolitionist, humanitarian and even a Union spy during the American Civil War! Harriet Tubman's life is fascinating to little ones and jam packed with American history and strong morals. Tubman liberated hundreds of slaves and was one of the biggest activist for women's suffrage. Harriet Tubman was also a big part in gaining a woman's right to vote!
Rosa Parks
You probably know Rosa Parks as the strong-willed, stubborn, and feisty black woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man during a bus ride which sparked the Montgomery Bus Strike and fueled the Civil Rights movement. What you may not know about the "Civil Rights Pioneer", Rosa Parks, is that she caused our next influential person to rise to national prominence in the movement.
Rosa Parks with Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King Jr.
Wow! Where to start with such an inspiring man. Martin Luther King Jr. might be the biggest activist our nation has ever seen. He fought not only for his beliefs, freedoms, and rights but for every Black man and woman's. Martin Luther King Jr. traveled over 6 million miles and spoke over 2,500 times to fight injustice, to lead protests, and to be heard... and he was. Sadly, Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated before a protest in 1968, but his voice continues to be heard. Not only is his voice heard but because of Mr. King, you can hear the voices of all Black men and women, with the right to vote. The list is endless for this Noble Peace prize winner. Speaking of Noble Peace prize winners...
Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, has definitely earned a spot in our top 5. He is the *first* African-American President, that's pretty historical in itself. We stand behind President Obama during his Presidency because of his drive to correct 3 major issues affecting not only our country but the entire world: climate change, nuclear weapons, and conflict. His steps towards closing Guantanamo Bay Prison are HUGE in the development of humane treatment of all people. After all, we are the country that has been slowly built on "the means do not justify the end.", has been said about slavery, equal rights, and several other battles that have been fought to create our great nation. However, the thing I'm most influenced by and the thing that I will strive to teach my children is "Stand out, go against the grain, and fight for what you believe in. Even when it isn't popular." President Obama is definitely not the most popular but he is continuing to fight for what he believes will better our country and our people; even if it means the end of his political career, and that my friends, you won't find every politician doing. Influential indeed.
Muhammad Ali
When you hear Muhammad Ali, I bet you think boxer. World-class fighter. Float like a butterfly, sting like bee. But, do you think activist or humanitarian? He was one of the greatest! Ali was against the Vietnam war (where thousands of Vietnamese were slaughtered, and yes, I do mean slaughtered.) and refused to be drafted into the military, which resulted in Ali being banned from American boxing, stripped of his Heavy-weight belt, and temporarily imprisoned. It also resulted in a jump start of one of the biggest anti-war movements in our history. He staged well publicized fights in countries that most didn't think of, creating awareness of developing countries. He holds annual "Fight Night", a charity event that donates millions of dollars towards Parkinson disease and research. Muhammad Ali has done multiple goodwill missions from delivering medical supplies and food to securing the release of 15 Americans hostages during the Gulf War.
Inspired? I am. So, who inspires you during Black History Month?
1 comments:
I was with you until Ali a.k.a Clay. He changed his name to dodge the draft... guess what many soldiers that were drafted did not agree with the war. When you get a draft card it does not say you will be drafted as long as you think the war is a good idea. He dodged the draft before many of the horrid misdeeds were ever revealed.
I prefer George Washington Carver - he invented my favorite - peanut butter & at a time that black inventors got no respect. Many black & white people sacrificed for black rights but from history itself - those who were extraordinary when times held them back like Rosa Parks, & Harriet Tubman & even Carver were history's heroes. Cacuis Clay not so much a hero as a coward who changed his religion after his draft notice came. He was a great boxer but if sports is it look back to Hank Aaron, & many who fought for the right to play on segerated teams...they were leaders to be proud of. Most people alive now can barely remember true bigotry - at 54 I remember vaguely black & white water fountains & "member only" diners (members were white only) but if you are not over 50 years old - you do not really understand what was accepted. It is time for history to be history not by color, nationality, or anything else.... we can not look back & walk forward but we remember the past as we move to new & better times.
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