Black History Mag

All BHM Posters : 

All BHM Posters

Influential Blacks No Longer With UsFebruary is Black History Month : 

Influential Blacks No Longer With UsFebruary is Black History Month Miriam Makeba (1932 - 2008) Singer & anti-Aparthied Activist Born in Johannesburg, South Africa during Apartheid, eventually testified at the United Nations – after which she was exiled & starred in anti-Apartheid film in early 60’s Collaborated with Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte and other artists over her 40 year singing career “Pata Pata” and “The Click Song” are some of her more famous songs; sang at Ali vs. Foreman (Zaire Guinean delegate to the U.N. Sherman "Jocko" Maxwell, (1908 - 2008) Sportscaster & Negro League Baseball Player 1st first African-American sportscaster and a chronicler of the Negro Leagues, continued as Sportscaster until the late 60’s Negro League Baseball existed until 1929, when it disbanded during the Great Depression Mildred Loving (1940 - 2008) In 1965 Mildred & her husband, Perry were arrested in their Virginia home simply for “cohabitating as man and wife” after their marriage in D.C. She was a pioneer in overturning state miscegenation laws; taking their case to Supreme Court: Loving vs. Virginia 1967, Loving won thus eliminated federal laws forbidding inter-racial marriages Loving case re-affirmed Constitutional right to freedom to marry – across all racial lines Odetta (1930 - 2008) Singer Born in Birmingham, Ala., and raised in LA, Odetta Holmes had a big voice early on; she was schooled in opera from the age of 13. "The first thing that turned me on to folksinging was Odetta" Bob Dylan A commanding lyrical voice of the Civil Rights movement; “…for her the election of Barack Obama as President signaled a fulfilling chapter in the struggle. As she sank toward death in NYC, Odetta had an Obama poster taped on the wall across from her bed.” (TIME)

Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month : 

Marshall “Major” Taylor (1878 - 1932) World Champion Cyclist Won his first amateur race in Lexington, Kentucky at the tender age of 13 In1899, he reached the top of the cycling world by winning the world title and thus becoming America's first Black world champion cyclist His career consisted of nearly 168 races which included 117- 1st place finishes and 32-2nd place finishes. Taylor was later inducted into the Bicycling Hall of Fame In honor of his accomplishments, one of the world's most renowned cycling venues, the Major Taylor Velodrome, located in Indianapolis is named in his honor Percy Julian (1898 - 1975) Chemist Graduated from DePauw University with Phi Beta Kappa honors and later taught at Howard and Fisk Universities His extraction method of sterols (from the oil of soybeans) ultimately lowered the once high cost of extraction, thus enabled millions of arthritis patients to obtain relief through the use of cortisone Synthesized the drug physotigmine, used today in the treatment of glaucoma He and Dr. George Washington Carver were the fist blacks to be inducted in to the National Inventors Hall of Fame on April 8, 1990 Lemuel Haynes (1753 - 1833) Solider: American Revolution, Minister Was one of the rarely ever mentioned black men who were part of the Minutemen who fought during the American Revolution Battle of Lexington The son of a Black father and a white mother, Haynes was deserted by his mother and brought up by Deacon David Ross As a child, his strong interest in the ministry was evident in his writing of adult sermons He went on to become the first Black minister of a church with a white congregation He served as a pastor in Vermont and New York until his death in 1833 Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month The Tuskegee Airman suffered many hardships, but they proved themselves to be world class pilots. Even though the Tuskegee Airmen proved their worth as military pilots they were still forced to operate in segregated units and did not fight alongside their white countrymen. The men earned the nickname "Red Tail Angels" since the bombers considered their escorts “angels" and the red paint on the propeller and tail of their planes Tuskegee Airmen (c. 1940) Military Black Airmen An elite group of African-American pilots in the 1940s. They were pioneers in equality and integration of the Armed Forces.

Slide 4: 

GHANA BECOMES FIRST INDEPENDENT BLACK STATE IN AFRICA, March 6, 1957   In 1949, the Convention People's Party (CPP), led by Nkrumah organized workers and farmers for the first time in a mass movement for independent and staged strikes Through many more Gandhi-inspired rallies, boycotts, and strikes, the Ghanaian people forced the British to transfer power over the former colony of the Gold Coast On August 3, 1956, the new assembly passed a motion authorizing the government to request independence within the British Commonwealth. The opposition did not attend the debate, and the vote was unanimous. On March 6, 1957, the 113th anniversary of the Bond of 1844, the former British colony of the Gold Coast became the independent state of Ghana, and the nation's Legislative Assembly became the National Assembly led by Kwame Nkrumah as Prime Minister Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, Jan 20, 2009 President Obama is the first African-American to be elected to the highest office in the USA Roughly 2 Million people attended the live ceremony in Washington DC, with billions more watching and listening all around the world. According to the national park service, this was the largest event held in Washington, D.C., ever! Civil Rights Act of 1964 Following the famous 1963 March on Washington, and due to the efforts of many Heroic American Civil Rights Leaders, President Lyndon B. Johnson Signed the Civil Rights Act. It was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that outlawed racial segregation in schools, public places, and employment. Conceived to help African Americans, the bill was amended prior to passage to protect women, and explicitly included white people for the first time. It also created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Historical Events in 20th CenturyFebruary is Black History Month

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month : 

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month Barack Obama (1961 - ) 44th and current president of the United States 1st African American elected U.S. President 1st African American president of the Harvard Law Review Time magazine’s 2008 Person of the Year 2006 and 2008 Best Spoken Word Album Grammy Award winner Michaëlle Jean (1957 - ) 27th and current Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces. 1st black Governor General of Canada Represents all of Canada to all Canadians and to the rest of the world “breaking down solitudes” between peoples of all racial, linguistic, cultural and gender groups. Wangari Maathai (1940 - ) 1st female African to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace 1st East and Central African woman to earn a PhD: PhD Anatomy, 1971 "She has served as inspiration for many in the fight for democratic rights….." Condolezza Rice (1954 - ) 66th United States Secretary of State (2005-2009) Stanford University Provost (1993-1999) Accomplished pianist. Performed with the Denver Symphony at age 15. Has appeared 4 times on Time magazine’s 100 most influential people list. 1 of only 7 people to ever accomplish this.

Influential Blacks No Longer With UsFebruary is Black History Month : 

Influential Blacks No Longer With UsFebruary is Black History Month Eddie G. Robinson (1919 - 2007) College Football Coach Coach of the Grambling State University Tigers, an Historically Black College & University (HBCU) Became President of the American Football Coaches Association in 1976. Robinson won 408 games, the most ever for any football coach at the time of his retirement in 1997. Became know as the “Most Winningest Coach” in college football Julia Carson (1938 - 2007) US Congresswoman A member of the Indiana House of Representatives for 20 years In 1996 she became the first woman and the first African-American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress Authored a bill signed into law in May 1999 authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for Rosa Parks Carson was a staunch Democrat who never failed to speak up for the poor and powerless and she was one of few in her own party who voted against authorizing war in Iraq Yolanda Denise King (1955 - 2007) Human Rights Activist, Public Speaker, Actress Eldest daughter of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Spokeswoman and member of the Board of Directors of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change Incorporated (the official national memorial to her father) and was founding Director of the King Center's Cultural Affairs Program Ike Turner (1931 - 2007) Musician, Songwriter, Bandleader, Producer Rock & Roll Pioneer His repertoire included blues, soul, rock and funk. Responsible for discovering Anna Mea Bullock (renamed Tina Turner) and reshaped his then band into the Ike & Tina Turner Revue Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (with Tina Turner) in 1991

Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month : 

Thurgood Marshall (1908 – 1993) Supreme Court Justice, Chief Counsel NAACP First African-American elevated to the U.S. Supreme Court Previously, won 29 out of the 32 cases he argued before the U. S. Supreme Court Won Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, landmark case that demolishes the legal basis for segregation in America. Booker T. Washington (1856 –1915) Educator, Author, Civil Rights Leader First African-American to receive a Master’s degree from Harvard Univ. First African-American ever invited to the White House as a guest, of President Theodore Roosevelt Washington’s autobiography, Up from Slavery, published in 1901 and became a bestseller . Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) Baseball player, Civil Rights Leader First African-American major league baseball player of the modern era in 1947. First African-American inducted into the National Baseball’s Hall of Fame Forerunner of Civil Rights Movement. Key figure in the establishment of Freedom Bank. Wrote syndicated newspaper column for years, supporting Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month Madam C.J. Walker (1867 – 1919) Entrepreneur, Inventor, Civil Rights Leader First African-American woman millionaire. Inspired and empowered other women in business. Gave lectures on black issues at conventions sponsored by powerful black institutions. In 1917, she devoted herself to having lynching made a federal crime. Worked to have black veterans granted full respect. Made the largest contribution to saving the home of abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

Slide 8: 

Little Rock Nine (1957) After the ruling on Brown vs. Board of Ed. (1954), 9 black students were registered to attend the all-white Little Rock Central High. Entrance to the school was physically blocked the Arkansas National Guard as ordered by AK Governor Orval Fabus President Eisenhower forced the governor to withdraw the troops and ordered the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army to ensure the entrance of the students into Little Rock Central High Harlem Renaissance (1920-35) African-American cultural movement of the 20’s & 30’s, centered in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Marked the first time that mainstream publishers and critics took African American literature seriously and that African American literature and arts attracted significant attention from the nation at large. Primarily a literary movement, but was directly related to developments in African American music, theater, art, and politics. Million Man March (1995) Convened by Nation of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan in Washington, DC on October 16, 1995 African American Men from Across the country gathered to advocate “Unity, Atonement, and Brotherhood” One of the largest demonstrations in Washington history. The Birth of the Blues (1900–10) Most scholars of the blues believe it was born in the Mississippi Delta shortly before 1900. The blues has roots in other forms of black music including African rhythms, field hollers, jump-ups, spirituals, and church music. It grew out of the hard lives of poor black workers and sharecroppers. By the time of the First World War, the blues had become part of America's music, made popular pioneers like W.C. Handy and Bessie Smith. Historical Events in 20th CenturyFebruary is Black History Month

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month : 

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month Carol Moseley Braun (1947 - ) U.S. Attorney, former US Representative 2nd African American elected to U.S. Senate (IL); 1st black woman “strong champion of healthcare and education reform” Bill Clinton nominated her to Ambassador to New Zealand (’99) Desmond Tutu (1931 - ) 1st black African to serve in many high positions in South Africa from ’75 – ’96 Archbishop, Author and Professor Awarded Nobel Peace Prize (’84) for his non-violent efforts to end Apartheid in South Africa Today, Professor of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia Al Sharpton (1953 - ) Minister and political -, civil rights -, and social justice - activist Founder of National Action Network - one of the leading Civil Rights orgs in the nation Controversial activist advocating for equality & justice for all groups Kofi Annan (1938 - ) Secretary General of the United Nations (2 terms: ’97 – ’07) Awarded Nobel Peace Prize (’01) with the UN for Humanitarianism and the global battle against the pandemic of HIV/AIDS A multitude of accomplishments in many roles in the UN spanning 4 decades Continues to negotiate and speak out for a more peaceful world

Historical Events in 20th CenturyFebruary is Black History Month : 

Historical Events in 20th CenturyFebruary is Black History Month Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education (1954) Desegregation of Public Schools 1968 Protest at Olympics (Mexico) Tommie Smith (1st Place, 200m) and John Carlos (3rd Place, 200m) performed the Black Power Salute during the National Anthem Most notorious and overtly political statements in the 110 year history of the modern Olympic Games "If I win, I am American, not a black American. But if I did something bad, then they would say I am a Negro. We are black and we are proud of being black. Black America will understand what we did tonight “ (Smith). March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom (1963) Martin Luther King, Jr. gave “I Have a Dream” speech to ½ million people on Lincoln Memorial Helped to establish the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965) Abolition of Apartheid in South Africa (1994) Apartheid was a system of racial segregation (’48 –’94) that was enforced in South Africa, denying basic human rights to non-Afrikaners Many leaders who objected to the system of Apartheid we’re murdered or imprisoned, like Nelson Mandela, who was later released and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was the 1st democratically elected President of So. Africa in 1994

Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month : 

Toussaint L'Ouverture ( 1743 – 1803) Liberator of Haiti, Military Genius Lead a Haitian slave army to Defeat The French, British and Spanish. Effectively ousted the French from Haiti, soundly defeating Napoleon, one of the greatest generals who ever lived. Was directly responsible for the Louisiana Purchase as a result of the Hatian Defeat of the French. Elijah McCoy (1844 –1929) Engineer, Inventor Born in Ontario Canada to two runaway slaves Invented automatic lubricator for oiling steam engines. Other inventions include the lawn sprinkler, ironing table and steam cylinder lubricator. The phrase “The Real McCoy” was coined to distinguish his inventions from cheap imitations Harriet Tubman (1821 – 1913) Abolitionist, Conductor, Spy, Soldier, Nurse Escaped slavery in 1848 Was the greatest conductor of the Underground Railroad – never lost a single passenger Helped more than 300 slaves escape to their freedom. Served the Union Army as a nurse, soldier, spy and scout. Was nicknamed the “Moses” of her people Historical HeroesFebruary is Black History Month Nanny of the Maroons (? – 1734) Insurrectionist, Guerrilla Warfare Strategist, National Hero Born in Ghana west Africa and was captured into slavery Escaped slavery into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Organized the freed and escaped blacks of Jamaica, known as ‘Maroons’, into a highly effective military force. Freed over 800 slaves in the span of 50 years. Was declared a National Heroine in 1975 and her portrait is on the 500 Jamaican dollar bill.

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month : 

Contemporary Black LeadersFebruary is Black History Month Colin Powell (1937 - ) US Secretary of State (’00 - ’04); Highest ranking African American in Executive Branch and in the US Military Founder of America’s Promise - “Challenge young people by having high expectations of them; engage them with the opportunity to realize those expectations through constructive, character-building activities”. Barak Obama (1961 - ) 1st African American President of Harvard Law Review Author US Senator Angela Davis (1944 - ) Member of the Black Panther Party Professor at University of California Santa Cruz Founder of Critical Resistance - “... works to build an international movement to end the Prison Industrial Complex by challenging the belief that caging and controlling people makes us safe." Cornel West (1953 - ) Civil Rights Activist Author Former Professor at Harvard; currently Professor at Princeton

Recently Passed Influential BlacksFebruary is Black History Month : 

Recently Passed Influential BlacksFebruary is Black History Month James Brown (1933 - 2006 ) Entertainer The Godfather of Soul Charter member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Lifetime achievement Grammy Award in 1992. His dynamic showmanship remains timeless. His style has been celebrated throughout generations. As one of the most sampled artists to date, he has more honors attached to his name than any other performer in music history. Coretta Scott King (1961 - 2006 ) Civil Rights Activist Earned her Music degree in voice from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Co-Founded of The Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy. Fiercely advocated Women’s rights, LGBT rights, and AIDS/HIV prevention. "When you are willing to make sacrifices for a great cause, you will never be alone." Gerald Lavert (1966 - 2006 ) Entertainer Contemporary soul singer whose smooth yet robust vocals brought energy and emotion to even his most serene recordings Grew up in the shadows of his father, Eddie LeVert, Sr., of the O'Jays Formed, produced & performed in the1990’s trio R&B group LaVert Contributed as songwriter, vocalist, and producer to many artists, such as the O'Jays, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Troop, Teddy Pendergrass, the Winans, Patti Labelle, Rude Boys, and on and on Rosa Parks (1953 - 2005) Civil Rights Activist Refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery Bus on December 1, 1955 Her arrest began the 281 Day Montgomery bus boycott Moved to Detroit in 1957 and became a special assistant to Congressman John Conyers for 25 years Awarded with the NAACP highest honor - Spingarn Medal, for outstanding achievement by a Black American

All NSBE SLIDES : 

All NSBE SLIDES With animations ?

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Elijah McCoy 1844-1928 INVENTOR Employed as a railroad engineer in Michigan after the Civil War, one of his responsibilities was to keep the moving parts of the railroad engine lubricated This tedious task inspired him to create an automated lubrication process – virtually ending the need to periodically stop an engine. During his career he received more than 56 patents for devises which were improved versions of his automatic lubrication process. Other Inventions include, the lawn sprinkler and the ironing board The phrase “the Real McCoy” was coined to distinguish his inventions from cheap knock-offs. Today’s meeting is dedicated to this Innovative and Cunning Black Man!!

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Granville T. Woods 1856 - 1910 INVENTOR Born April 23, 1856 in Columbus, Ohio, he dedicated his life to developing a variety of inventions related to the railroad industry. Though his formal education stopped at age 10, Woods continued his education by serving as an apprentice in a machine shop where he learned the trades of a machinist and blacksmith. During his 20 year career he patented over 35 mechanical and electrical inventions. Most noted was the Synchronous Multiplex Railway Telegraph (allowed moving trains to communicate) Other inventions included the Steam Boiler Furnace, and an automatic air brake used to slow or stop trains. To many, he was known as the “Black Edison” Today’s meeting is dedicated to this Inspirational Black Inventor!!

Slide 17: 

Paul R. Williams1894 - 1980 Born in Los Angeles, CA in 1894 Graduated from UCLA Attended the Beaux Arts Institute of Design in Paris Because of discrimination had difficulty finding work Had to call every architectural firm in the phone book until he found one that would hire a Black Man. Certified architect in 1915 Opened his own Architectural firm in 1923 Designed over 3000 homes in LA Some belonging to Hollywood’s elite – Lucille Ball, Cary Grant Frank Sinatra, etc. Noted Works: Saks Fifth Avenue at Beverly Hills World famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel Associate Architect for LAX! Meeting Dedication

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Valerie Thomas Born: 1942 PHYSICIST, INVENTOR Born 1942, Valerie was fascinated with technology as a very young child, despite the fact that scientific subjects were not considered important or suitable for women at the time. This changed in college, when Thomas enrolled at Morgan State University in 1960 as one of only two women in her class to major in physics. She was an excellent student, and soon she had acquired the knowledge of mathematics that lead her to a position as a mathematician/data analyst for NASA. In 1980, she received a patent for her illusion transmitter, which uses a concave mirror on the transmitting end as well as on the receiving end to produce optical illusion images. NASA uses the technology today, and scientists are currently working on ways to incorporate it into tools for surgeons to look inside the human body, and possibly for television sets and video screens one day Similar to the technique of Holographic Image production, the Illusion Transmitter is able to render a 3d image in 3d space using with the use of concave mirrors. This can allow users to render 3d images in real-time Today’s meeting is dedicated to this Inspirational Black Inventor!!

Slide 19: 

Dr. Mae JemisonOct 17, 1956 In 1987 Jemison was accepted as one of fifteen candidates from over 2,000 applicants by NASA to go to space In September of 1992, as a mission specialist aboard the Shuttle Endeavour, Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to enter space. In 1993, Dr. Jemison resigned from NASA and founded the Jemison Group, Inc. Among her current projects are several that focus on improving healthcare in Africa and advancing technology in developing countries. Guess what? Dr. Mae Jemison speaks fluent Russian, Japanese, and Swahili, as well as English Meeting Dedication

Meeting Dedication – Barney L. Ford : 

Meeting Dedication – Barney L. Ford Barney L. Ford (1824-1902) Former slave from South Carolina Escaped via the Underground Railroad and headed West – to Colorado In Denver, he operated a barbershop, owned a restaurant, ran a hotel. His skills as an Entrepreneur lead to him becoming a well respected member of the Denver community in the 1860’s

Meeting Dedication – Barney L. Ford : 

Meeting Dedication – Barney L. Ford When the Civil War ended in 1865, Ford fought for the rights of African Americans in Colorado. His influence as a leading Denver citizen helped him convince congressmen in Washington D.C. to reject a bid for Colorado statehood – BECAUSE the bid for statehood did not allow Blacks to vote. In addition to supporting African American rights, he helped start adult education programs for freed people in Colorado. Ford was also the first African American to serve on a Colorado grand jury—an inspiring and praiseworthy appointment. Barney Ford succeeded as a businessman, respected member of society, and a friend to all people. Barney Ford, You are an inspiration to us all!

Slide 22: 

African-American Firsts: Government Governor (elected): L. Douglas Wilder, Virginia, 1990–1994. The only other elected black governor has been Deval Patrick, Massachusetts, 2007– U.S. Representative: Joseph Rainey became a Congressman from South Carolina in 1870 and was reelected four more times. The first black female U.S. Representative was Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman from New York, 1969–1983. Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Slide 23: 

U.S. Senator: Hiram Revels became Senator from Mississippi from Feb. 25, 1870, to March 4, 1871, during Reconstruction. U.S. cabinet member: Robert C. Weaver, 1966–1968, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Lyndon Johnson; the first black female cabinet minister was Patricia Harris, 1977, Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Jimmy Carter. U.S. Secretary of State: Gen. Colin Powell, 2001–2004. The first black female Secretary of State was Condoleezza Rice, 2005–. Major Party Nominee for President: Sen. Barack Obama, 2008. The Democratic Party selected him as its presidential nominee. Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Slide 24: 

African-American Firsts: Science and Medicine First patent holder: Thomas L. Jennings, 1821, for a dry-cleaning process. M.D. degree: James McCune Smith, 1837, University of Glasgow; Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black woman to receive an M.D. degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. Heart surgery pioneer: Daniel Hale Williams, 1893. First astronaut: Robert H. Lawrence, Jr., 1967, was the first black astronaut, but he died in a plane crash during a training flight and never made it into space. Guion Bluford, 1983, became the first black astronaut to travel in space; Mae Jemison, 1992, became the first black female astronaut. Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Slide 25: 

Other African-American Firsts Licensed Pilot: Bessie Coleman, 1921. Millionaire: Madame C. J. Walker. Billionaire: Robert Johnson, 2001, owner of Black Entertainment Television; Oprah Winfrey, 2003. Portrayal on a postage stamp: Booker T. Washington, 1940 (and also 1956). Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Slide 26: 

Last Month we dedicated the meeting to African-American Firsts in Government, Science and Medicine As of Nov 4, 2008 we have a brand new First to acknowledge!!!! born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961 Graduated from Columbia University in 1983 Became a Community organizer in Chicago in 1985 with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991 There he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. He returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the general election and became the first African American to be elected President of the United States Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Slide 27: 

Last Month we dedicated the meeting to African-American Firsts in Government, Science and Medicine As of Nov 4, 2008 we have a brand new First to acknowledge!!!! born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961 Graduated from Columbia University in 1983 Became a Community organizer in Chicago in 1985 with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991 There he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. He returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the general election and became the first African American to be elected President of the United States Meeting Dedication – Famous African American Firsts!

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Unita Blackwell ( b. 1933 ) Mayor of Mayersville, Mississippi Born March 18, 1933 in Lula, Mississippi. Political career started with registering Black Mississippians to vote. Her role in voter registration was at the expense of being attacked by the KKK, having crosses burned in her front yard, and arrest by Mississippi Law Enforcement. Nonetheless she persevered

Unita Blackwell : 

Unita Blackwell In 1964, she along with Fannie Lou Hamer was a key organizer of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP). The MFDP challenged the state’s ‘regular’ Democratic party- which denied blacks the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. In 1976 She became the Mayor of Mayersville, MI –meaning she was the state’s 1st Black female mayor. She also served as second vice-president of the National Conference of Black Mayors, and chair of the Black Women Mayors’ Caucus She is quoted as saying: “Nothin’ from nothin’, leaves nothin’; We don’t have nothin’, so we ain’t loosing nothin’ and our life don’t mean nothin’ if we continue this way with no freedom.”

Juneteenth : 

Juneteenth The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order by US President Abraham Lincoln issued during the Civil War It declared the freedom of all slaves in the territory of the Confederate States of America. It was issued in September 1862 and became effective on January 1, 1863

Juneteenth : 

Juneteenth It had little immediate effect on most slaves’ day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under Confederate control. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived on Galveston Island to take possession of the state and enforce slaves’ new freedoms. Juneteenth is a blend of the words June and Nineteenth and is meant to commemorate that historic event on that historic day, which happens to be TOMORROW!

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Garret Morgan Inventor 1875-1963

Garret Morgan : 

Garret Morgan Born in Paris Kentucky in 1875 Invented the predecessors to the modern day Traffic Light & the modern day gas mask (gas inhalator) On July 25, 1916, Morgan and 2 other men used his gas inhalator to rescue several men trapped in a smoky gas filled tunnel 200 meters below ground.

Garrett Morgan : 

Garrett Morgan Orders from fire companies poured in for the gas inhalator, but once they found he was a Black man most of them were cancelled. In the South, he utilized the services of a white man to demonstrate his inhalator. During WWI, the US Army transformed Morgan’s Inhalator into a gas mask to be used by combat troops. In 1923 Morgan invented the automatic traffic light, for which General Electric paid him $40,000

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) clergyman, activist, father, husband and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the United States and he is frequently referenced as a human rights icon today. Dr. King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott (26 years old!!) and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. : 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. There, he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, during a stay in Memphis, Tennessee where he was supporting the black sanitary public works employees. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986. The ground work laid by Dr. King and many other leaders has paved the way for many events… even what we just saw yesterday – Thank you Dr. King, Good Luck President Obama!!

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Percy Julian ( 1898 – 1975 ) Chemist Graduated from DePauw University with Phi Beta Kappa honors and later taught at Howard and Fisk Universities His extraction method of sterols (from the oil of soybeans) ultimately lowered the once high cost of extraction, thus enabled millions of arthritis patients to obtain relief through the use of cortisone Synthesized the drug physotigmine, used today in the treatment of glaucoma He and Dr. George Washington Carver were the fist blacks to be inducted in to the National Inventors Hall of Fame on April 8, 1990

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Lewis H. Latimer Inventor, Draftsman, Engineer 1848 - 1928

Lewis H. Latimer : 

Lewis H. Latimer Born Sept 4, 1948 in Chelsea, Mass Self-Taught son of former slaves. He worked with the leading inventors of the 20th Century Latimer drafted the plans for the telephone Because of Latimer’s efforts Bell was able to receive the patent (Mar 7, 1876) In 1879 Latimer was hired by Thomas Edison’s rival, Hiram Maxim. During his Tenure with Maxim, Latimer invented an electric lamp with a carbon filament (1881) This is one of the primary pieces of the technological revolution that gave affordable light to the WORLD!

Lewis H. Latimer : 

Lewis H. Latimer In 1885 he began his association with Thomas Edison, served as an engineer, chief draftsman, and expert witness on the Board of Patent Control He was named an Edison Pioneer in 1918, an elite group of men who worked for Edison. Latimer was issued several patents, including: Water closet for railroad cars (1874) Improvement to electric lamp (1881) Process for manufacturing carbon filament (1882) Arc light globe support (1882) Apparatus for cooling and disinfecting (1886) Device for locking hats, coats and umbrellas on hanging racks (1895) Lamp fixture (1910)

Lewis H. Latimer : 

Lewis H. Latimer Latimer Retired in 1924 at the age of 75 Upon his death, the Edison Pioneers published an obituary that included the following testimonial: “He was of the colored race, the only one in our organization, and was one of those to respond to the initial call that led to the formation of the Edison Pioneers, January 24th 1918.  Broadmindedness, versatility in the accomplishment of things intellectual and cultural, a linguist, a devoted husband and father, all were characteristic of him, and his genial presence will be missed from our gatherings.” Lewis Latimer, we are because you were

Meeting Dedication : 

Meeting Dedication Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) clergyman, activist, father, husband and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the United States and he is frequently referenced as a human rights icon today. Dr. King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott (26 years old!!) and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. : 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. There, he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, during a stay in Memphis, Tennessee where he was supporting the black sanitary public works employees. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986. The ground work laid by Dr. King and many other leaders has paved the way for many events… even what we just saw yesterday – Thank you Dr. King, Good Luck President Obama!!

Delta Academy Presentation : 

Delta Academy Presentation

February is Black History Month! : 

February is Black History Month! WHO Started Black History Month? Answer: Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

February is Black History Month! : 

February is Black History Month! We owe the celebration of black History Month and the study of black history to Dr. Carter G. Woodson Woodson didn’t have the opportunity to start high school until he was 22 years old Nevertheless, he finished high school and went on to earn his PhD from Harvard in 1915 He was disturbed to find in his studies that history books largely ignored the black American population In 1926 Carter G. Woodson Organized the first annual Negro History Week. It was an initiative to bring national attention to the contributions of black people throughout history It took place on the 2nd week of February. Woodson chose this date to coincide with the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln- 2 men who greatly impacted the black population.

February is Black History Month! : 

February is Black History Month! February has much more than Douglass and Lincoln to show for its significance in black American history. For example: February 23, 1868: W. E. B. DuBois, important civil rights leader and co-founder of the NAACP, was born. February 3, 1870: The 15th Amendment was passed, granting blacks the right to vote. February 12, 1909: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded by a group of concerned black and white citizens in New York City. February 1, 1960: In what would become a civil-rights movement milestone, a group of black Greensboro, N.C., college students began a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter. In 1976, Negro History Week was expanded into the Black History Month that we know today!

February is Black History Month! : 

February is Black History Month! Though only one month of the year is set aside to formally recognize “Black” History, the significant contribution of Blacks in this country is apparent in every day life and impacts all of us Black History is AMERICAN History BLACK HISTORY IS WORLD HISTORY

Black Queens : 

Black Queens Hatshepsut The Ablest Queen of Far Antiquity 1503 to 1482 BC Hatshepsut rose to power after her father Thothmes I was stricken with paralysis. He appointed Hatshepsut as his chief aide and heiress to the throne. While several male rivals sought to oust her from power, Hatshepsut withstood their challenges to remain leader of what was then the world's leading nation. To help enhance her popularity with the peoples of Egypt, Hatshepsut had a number of spectacular temples and pyramids erected. Some of the towering structures still stand today as a reminder of the first true female ruler of a civilized nation. She remained "Ablest Queen of Far Antiquity" for thirty-three years.

Black Queens : 

Black Queens CANDACE (EMPRESS OF ETHIOPIA 332 B.C.) Alexander the Great reached Kemet (Ancient Egypt) in 332 B.C., on his world conquering rampage. But one of the greatest generals of the ancient world was the Empress of Ethiopia. This formidable black Queen Candace, was world famous as a military tactician and field commander. Legend has it that Alexander could not entertain even the possibility of having his world fame and unbroken chain of victories marred by risking a defeat. He halted his armies at the borders of Ethiopia and did not invade to meet the waiting black armies with their Queen in personal command.

Black Queens : 

Black Queens Cleopatra VII Queen of Egypt 69 to 30 BC The most famous of seven matriarchs to bear this name, Cleopatra rose to the throne at seventeen. The young queen is often erroneously portrayed as Caucasian, however, she was of both Greek and African descent. By mastering many different languages and several African dialects, she became instrumental in reaching beyond the borders of Egypt. Striving to elevate Egypt to world supremacy, Cleopatra enlisted the military services of two great Roman leaders. She persuaded Julius Caesar and , later, Mark Anthony to renounce their Roman allegiances to fight on behalf of Egypt.

Black Military Strategists : 

Black Military Strategists Nanny of the Maroons (? – 1734) Insurrectionist, Guerrilla Warfare Strategist, National Hero Born in Ghana west Africa and was captured into slavery Escaped slavery into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Organized the freed and escaped blacks of Jamaica, known as ‘Maroons’, into a highly effective military force. Freed over 800 slaves in the span of 50 years. Was declared a National Heroine in 1975 and her portrait is on the 500 Jamaican dollar bill.

Black Women Doctors : 

Black Women Doctors Rebecca Lee Crumpler first black woman to receive an M.D. degree. She graduated from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. Patricia Bath The first African American woman doctor to receive a patent for a medical invention in 1988. Her patent, which is a method for removing cataract lenses, transformed eye surgery, using a laser to making the procedure more accurate.

Black Women Singer Activists : 

Black Women Singer Activists Odetta (1930 - 2008) Singer Born in Birmingham, Ala., and raised in LA, Odetta Holmes had a big voice early on; she was schooled in opera from the age of 13. A commanding lyrical voice of the Civil Rights movement; For her the election of Barack Obama as President signaled a fulfilling chapter in the struggle. Miriam Makeba (1932 - 2008) Singer & anti-Aparthied Activist Born in Johannesburg, South Africa during Apartheid, eventually testified at the United Nations – after which she was exiled & starred in anti-Apartheid film in early 60’s Collaborated with Paul Simon, Harry Belafonte and other artists over her 40 year singing career “Pata Pata” and “The Click Song” are some of her more famous songs; sang at Ali vs. Foreman Guinean delegate to the U.N.

Black Women Inventors : 

Black Women Inventors Marie BrownThe first video home security system was patented (patent #3,482,037) on December 2, 1969 to Marie Brown. The system used television surveillance Sarah Goode Sarah Goode was the first African American women to receive a U.S. patent. Patent #322,177 was issued on July 14, 1885 for a cabinet bed. Sarah Goode was the owner of a Chicago furniture store.

Black Women Inventors : 

Black Women Inventors

Black Women in Politics : 

Black Women in Politics Carol Moseley Braun (b. 1947) U.S. Attorney, former US Representative 2nd African American elected to U.S. Senate (IL); 1st black woman “strong champion of healthcare and education reform” Bill Clinton nominated her to Ambassador to New Zealand (’99) Julia Carson (1938 - 2007) US Congresswoman A member of the Indiana House of Representatives for 20 years In 1996 she became the first woman and the first African-American Indianapolis has ever sent to Congress Authored a bill signed into law in May 1999 authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for Rosa Parks Carson was a staunch Democrat who never failed to speak up for the poor and powerless and she was one of few in her own party who voted against authorizing war in Iraq

Black Women Founders : 

Black Women Founders Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women at Howard University. These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to persons in need. The first public act performed by the Delta Founders involved their participation in the Women's Suffrage March in Washington D.C., March 1913. Delta Sigma Theta was incorporated in 1930.

Black Woman Race Car Driver : 

Black Woman Race Car Driver Candyce Marsh May of 2005, she graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with her Master’s degree in Industrial Technology In October 2006, Marsh became the first African-American female professional racecar driver She competes in the Pro Modified category, reaching speeds in excess of 200mph!

Black Queens : 

Black Queens Hatshepsut The Ablest Queen of Far Antiquity 1503 to 1482 BC Hatshepsut rose to power after her father Thothmes I was stricken with paralysis. He appointed Hatshepsut as his chief aide and heiress to the throne. While several male rivals sought to oust her from power, Hatshepsut withstood their challenges to remain leader of what was then the world's leading nation. To help enhance her popularity with the peoples of Egypt, Hatshepsut had a number of spectacular temples and pyramids erected. Some of the towering structures still stand today as a reminder of the first true female ruler of a civilized nation. She remained "Ablest Queen of Far Antiquity" for thirty-three years.

Black Women Through History : 

Black Women Through History Nanny of the Maroons (? – 1734) Insurrectionist, Guerrilla Warfare Strategist, National Hero Born in Ghana west Africa and was captured into slavery Escaped slavery into the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. Organized the freed and escaped blacks of Jamaica, known as ‘Maroons’, into a highly effective military force. Freed over 800 slaves in the span of 50 years. Was declared a National Heroine in 1975 and her portrait is on the 500 Jamaican dollar bill.

Black Women Inventors : 

Black Women Inventors Marie BrownThe first video home security system was patented (patent #3,482,037) on December 2, 1969 to Marie Brown. The system used television surveillance Sarah Goode Sarah Goode was the first African American women to receive a U.S. patent. Patent #322,177 was issued on July 14, 1885 for a cabinet bed. Sarah Goode was the owner of a Chicago furniture store. Below you can view the patent issued to Sarah Goode.