Black history month is an important part as it is to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” This month is not only for recognizing and learning but also for our moral principles. The idea of racism coming to an end. and gaining our knowledge about the people who stood up against the wrong. This blog is about the people who stood up against the wrong, and the people who inspired me. The people who were forgotten and comparatively not known to be so famous but for me are always going to stay on the top.
Starting off from Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou was a world-renowned poet, dancer, singer, activist, and academic. She was most recognised for her one-of-a-kind and groundbreaking autobiographical writing style. Marguerite Ann Johnson, better known as Maya Angelou, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928. Maya Angelou is a hero with numerous qualities, including courage, tenacity, and astute intelligence. Maya Angelou is brave because she became mute but yet found her voice via writing.
Next person who I admire is Octavius V. Catto
Octavius Catto was the most influential civil rights advocate in post-Civil War Philadelphia. Mayor Jim Kenney erected a monument commemorating Catto on the southwest apron of City Hall in the spring of 2017. It is the city of Philadelphia’s first public statue dedicated to a single African American. The Civil Rights Movement’s “Forgotten Hero” Before the age of 32, Octavius Catto led the struggle to desegregate Philadelphia’s horse-drawn streetcars, formed all-black battalions to fight in the Civil War, and advocated for black voting rights. Despite this, he is largely forgotten today. It’s still really important to remember him and to not forget any of these people who had a great impact.
Following is Big Mama Thornton
Big Mama Thornton, alias Willie Mae Thornton, was an American singer and composer who sang in the style of traditional blues singers such as Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. She was born on December 11, 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama, and died on July 25, 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Elvis Presley and Janis Joplin both recorded hit cover versions of Thornton’s “Hound Dog” and “Ball & Chain,” respectively. I admire her singing and her talent and forever her music will be engraved in my soul.
Coming up is Mary Ellen Pleasant
Mary Ellen Pleasant, an abolitionist and wealthy Gold Rush businesswoman, was a free mixed-race lady who committed her life to African American equality. Pleasant never stopped working, from assisting with the Underground Railroad to battling for the right to travel on San Francisco’s segregated streetcars. Pleasant gained a wealth by 1875 as a result of her investments and different enterprises. She also contributed to the formation of the Bank of California. Pleasant established the local Underground Railroad, earning her the label “Mother” of California’s early civil rights movement.
Lastly on my blog but not in the real world William H. Hastie
When President Roosevelt nominated Hastie to the Federal District Court in the Virgin Islands in 1937, he became the first African-American federal judge. Hastie spent two years on the Virgin Islands bench before returning to Howard University School of Law as dean and professor of law. William Hastie had a brilliant career as an early Black political pioneer, yet he is mostly forgotten to most Americans today. Hastie made gains as a politician, educator, and judge, leaving a legacy that is difficult to equal in history.
These individuals, as well as a plethora of others, motivate me to be a better version of myself and to achieve great things. To teach me principles that I would need in my daily life and to have integrity.