Most influential people to remember during black history month
Black History Month is more than a remembrance of African American legends. It's a celebration that honors the individuals who created change while providing fresh reminders of how far African Americans have come in systematic racism.
Also known as African American History Month, as this annual celebration comes to an end, it wouldn't be complete without recognizing the most influential people. Here are our top 4 picks.
Martin Luther King Jr
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." – Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr is undoubtedly the most famous African American in history. He even has the third Monday of every January as a federal holiday in honor of him!
Martin Luther King Jr was a Baptist minister and a civil rights activist who preached non-violent means of protesting the discrimination of whites and blacks in the United States. He is famous for his iconic speech, "I have a dream," where he called for freedom of civil and economic rights and an end to racism.
His assassination on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39, sparked global mourning.
Harriet Tubman
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer." ― Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1822 and is famous for helping African Americans escape slavery after she did so successfully with her family. She was nicknamed Moses for helping enslaved people find their freedom through a secret underground road.
Harriet Tubman led African Americans from the south slave-holding states to the north non-slaveholding states, north of the Mason Dixon Line. Additionally, Tubman was a nurse for the Union Army during the civil war, a spy, a scout, and a guerrilla soldier.
She died of pneumonia at the age of 91 in 1913.
Muhammad Ali
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." — Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is one of the best heavyweight champions of all time. He was born in 1942 and made a name for himself in the boxing hall of fame. Born as Cassius Clay, he dropped the name associated with slavery and adopted a new one from the Islamic religion.
He is famous for refusing to join the U.S Army during the Vietnam War and his message of black pride and black resistance to white domination. Ali was also the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three occasions.
He died at 74 years on June 3, 2016.
Maya Angelou
"Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." ― Maya Angelou
Born on April 4, 1928, as Marguerite Ann Johnson, Maya Angelou was a world-famous author, poet, dancer, singer, and activist. She is recognized for her autobiography writing style, her most influential autobiography being "I Know Why The Caged Birds Sing."
Maya Angelou was the pioneer for the African American film Community as she had her screenplay recorded first and was the first Black Female Director in Hollywood. She worked together with Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X as activists.
She died in May 2014.
Takeaway
Black History Month reminds African Americans of the importance of being rooted in their history and appreciating how far they've come. It's also a great celebration that gives them a chance to remember and honor their ancestors' struggles and triumphs.