photo via Amazon
February is Black History Month (as if you didn’t know). Even though we should celebrate or at least acknowledge our history all 365 days of the year, sometimes we lack in that department. Bohemian Helena the Social Butterfly had a very insightful post awhile back (Say It Loud: I’m Black and I’m Proud) on places to visit in order to learn more about Black History. We all have to do our part, because it seems as if the mainstream is not celebrating Black History Month this year (or is it just me) as they have previous years.
I remember the countless BLACK movies running on the TV, activities, school performances, and other observances in the communities and churches during the month of February. One proud moment that I can remember in reference to Black History Month, was winning a Black History Bowl in Junior High School. I studied a huge packet day in and day out (it also helped that I have a photographic memory). All the preparation paid off and helped me beat out the rest of my classmates for the grand prize (hard cold cash).
When I was in elementary school I received a book from my Grandmother about 12 influential African Americans. I was so intrigued by this book. I begin reading it and was determined to finish it in record time. It was no Goosebumps or Babysitters Club, but nonetheless it was interesting. The book was called One More River to Cross: The Story of Twelve Black Americans. The book tells the story of each person with mini biographies. Some are little known while others are notable because of their accomplishments and leadership among the African American community (and in history for that matter). It is a good read, and can be a gift to a child in grade school.
The twelve (12) African Americans profiled in the book include:
Matthew Henson
Crispus Attucks
Marian Anderson
Shirley Chisholm
Malcolm X
Ralph Bunche
Madame CJ Walker
Charles Drew
Ronald McNair (Aggie Pride) ☺
Fannie Lou Hamer
Romare Bearden
Eddie Robinson
So adults were you able to correctly identify each person above? Some you will know automatically, while others may require research. If you knew only 4 out of 12 of the people listed above, that’s a damn shame (LOL). I need you to buy this book from Amazon and get a much-needed Black History Lesson. Just kidding…but all jokes aside if you have children or even if you know school aged children find this book and give as a gift. Encourage OUR children to learn about OUR history and not only American History. “If we don’t know our history, we are bound to repeat it”-
More Black History Facts will follow for the remainder of the Month. Operation Let’s Celebrate Black History Month is in fill swing!!