Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Katherine Johnson is a powerhouse unlike any other. Johnson’s advanced mathematical skill-set forced her environment to make room for her. she broke racial and gender barriers by integrating West Virginia University’s graduate program.
Read MoreMum Bett, the slave of a Massachusetts judge, decided to take matters into her own hands after hearing the phrase “all men are born free and equal.” This phrase is in the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution and at the time Mum understood that this also applied to her even as a black person.
Read MoreAs European countries battled to claim territories in America, the Spanish state — which is now known as Florida — became a haven for slaves who ran away from the British colonies. In 1738, a group of these escaped slaves created the first black town, called Fort Mose.
Read MoreBorn Henry Louis Aaron, baseball legend Hank Aaron swung his way into the history books in 1974. While the Atlanta Braves enjoyed the benefits of having the talented athlete on their team, actions off the field forced the conversation to transition from celebratory to cautionary. As Aaron’s star rose, so did racial tension, but on April 8, 1974, he hit his 715th home run and found himself as the all-time home run record holder for more than thirty years.
Read MoreMarcus Garvey was born in Jamaica and experienced the impacts of colonization at the hands of the British. As a result, he developed a passion for improving race relations and launched a Black Nationalism movement that would seek to elevate black people throughout the world.
Read MoreThe Obama vision was contagious and aspirational, although some considered him a long shot because of his minimal experience and because of his race. However, whenever he was met with opposition, he was able to exhibit a tone that spoke to people in a way that ushered in a change they could believe in. On November 4th, 2008, the United States elected him to become first black president. Obama would go on to serve two terms.
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