February, a month also coined as Black History Month. This is a month filled with recognition, reflection and homage. There have been many black people that have lived before our time and made a profound, lasting impact. In addition, there are many living black people who are continuing to make history everyday. Whether they are athletes, singers, dancers, inventors or politicians black people are breaking barriers in every field. During Black History Month it is important to highlight a few of these people and their achievements.
How February Became Black History Month
Once February rolls around most people begin celebrating Black History Month. Whether they show their support by posting about it on their social media or supporting black-owned businesses; people try and participate in the month in anyway they can. Though we all celebrate it is important to recognize how this month became a part of our country.
Regarded as a historian, author, editor, publisher and journalist; Carter G. Woodson would be accredited for the creation of Black History Month. He founded an organization known as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The mission of this organization is to “promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community” (ASALH). In February of 1926, Woodson would establish the first Negro History Week through his organization.
The month was intentionally chosen in order to coincide with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In his eyes Woodson viewed these two men as prominent people in the history of African Americans. Years after Woodson would declare Black History Week was in the month of February, President Gerald R. Ford recognized this and urged all American citizens to recognize the impact Black Americans have had on the country. After this the Association for the Study of African American Life and History would utilize their impact to extend Black History Week to Black History Month.
Athletes – Wilma Rudolph
Born in 1940, Wilma Rudolph would go on to knock down various obstacles in her way and pave the way for black athletes in the sport Track and Field. From an early age, Rudolph was already faced with challenges. She experienced both polio and the scarlet fever which resulted in her having to wear a leg brace. Though told by doctors she would never walk again Rudolph did not let these words discourage her. Throughout her youth Rudolph would continue to gain strength in her leg, until it was entirely healed. Her first sport would be basketball, however after speaking to a collegiate track and field coach Rudolph switched her focus unto another sport.
This would go on to be a great decision as she would go on to break barriers in the sport. In 1956 she would compete in the Olympic Games and win a bronze medal. However, she did not stop here; four years later Rudolph returned to the Olympics in 1960 determined to win a gold medal. She would go on to achieve her goal as she won three gold medals and broke at least three world records. Due to this stellar accomplishment Rudolph would become the first African American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympic Game. Her story showcases how perseverance can get you anywhere.
Singers – Beyoncé
Known for her popular hits such as “Crazy In Love” and “Halo” Beyoncé has accomplished a lot within the music industry. While she is currently succeeding as a solo artist, her career did not always begin that way. Prior to going solo, Beyoncé was in a girl’s group known as “Destiny’s Child.” She sang alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Together the trio would make hits such as “Say My Name” and “Bills, Bills, Bills.”
Though their R&B group would not last forever, this would only be just the beginning of Beyoncé’s stardom. In 2003 Beyoncé would drop her first solo debut album, “Dangerously In Love.” The album would gain popularity and go on to top the Billboard 200. Beyoncé would go on to be the most GRAMMY decorated artist. The singer has 35 GRAMMY wins and 99 nominations, making her both the most awarded and most nominated GRAMMY artist of all-time.
Also known to be a great performer Beyoncé’s tours always gain great attention. Her recent Cowboy Carter Tour “now holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing country tour ever” (Rolling Stone). The tour made $400 million, which is an achievement no other country tour has made. However, this is not Beyoncé’s first show to make such huge financial feats. In 2023, her Renaissance tour would amount to $579 million dollars. This makes her the “first American artist to have two separate tours gross over $400 million” (Rolling Stone).
Dancer – Misty Copeland
Due to her contributions in the dance world, Misty Copeland would open doors for many aspiring young Black female ballerinas. Born in 1982 in Kansas City, Misty Copeland would experience a rocky childhood. She had five siblings and a single mother who underwent financial instability. However, these setbacks did not get in the way of her pursuing her dreams.
In the year 2000 Copeland would win a scholarship with the American Ballet Theatre’s intensive summer program. As she remained dedicated to her craft and dedicated within the company, in 2007, Copeland became the “company’s first African American female soloist in two decades” (Britannica). This was a notable achievement, but it did not end there. A few years later in 2015, the American Ballet Theatre picked Misty Copeland to be their principal ballerina, making her the first African American woman to be given the title.
Inventor – Garrett Morgan
There are many inventions we use in our daily lives without stopping to question how they were made and who made them. One of these inventions is the traffic light. This invention has made it possible for people to travel on the road safely, minimizing the number of hazardous incidents on the road. However, this innovative invention did not always exist. A man named Garrett Morgan would create the red, yellow and green light found on our roads that would enable us to arrive to our destinations safer.
While on the road one day Morgan witnessed a collision between two vehicles. This sparked his creative mindset to make a solution. During the early 1900s a basic traffic signal existed, but it was not that advanced. The sign only displayed two signals — stop and go. Noticing the need for improvement Morgan created a “revolutionary T-shaped signal that included a ‘caution’ light — the equivalent of today’s yellow light” (National Inventors Hall of Fame). His invention would transform traffic safety forever.
Politicians – Barack Obama
Even during the 21st century, Black Americans are continuing to make history. One of these people is Barack Obama. He would work his way up the ladder in the realm of politics until becoming the first African American President of the United States of America.
Though many may believe Barack’s political career began with his presidency, his story begins way before his inauguration as the 44th president. He enrolled into the highly competitive Harvard Law School. Later he would be elected the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. This is just the beginning of Obama’s impressive list of accolades amidst his political career. In 1996, Obama would be elected to office to the Illinois State Senate from the thirteenth district. Two years later he would be elected to a second term in November 1998.
As he strove for a greater impact in the world of politics, Obama announced he was running for president on Feb. 10, 2007. Unbeknownst to him this would just be the start of his presidential career. On Aug. 28, 2008 Obama accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination and later that same year on Nov. 4, 2008 he would become the first African American elected as President. Obama would go onto to serve not just one, but two terms as President of the United States.
What notable Black figure do you believe deserves recognition this Black History Month? Let us know @VALLEYmag on X!
