February is most well know for the joy, flowers, and chocolates associated with Valentine's Day. This Valentine's Day if you're looking for a way to spice things up, snuggle up next to your significant other as you research important figures in Black history. Draw the curtains, light some candles, turn on some smooth jazz, and discuss the hundreds of years of slavery and oppression faced by many of our ancestors. Rollin' solo this year? No problem! Learning a more complete version of American History is just as fun by yourself!

But really, Black History Month should be viewed as important to everybody, not just Black people. Major Black icons have influenced all of our lives more than many realize. Beyond well-known figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., there are Black Americans that have made great strides in the worlds of literature, science and technology, athletics, entertainment, and so on.

These 10 people are some of my personal role models, but there are many other incredible leaders worth Googling as well.

1. Sojourner Truth

Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth escaped slavery with her infant child in 1827. Despite her inability to read or write, she captivated many with her speaking skills. Truth is known for her famous speech, "Ain't I A Woman?"

"I have plowed and planted and gathered into barns, and no man could head me. And aren't I a woman?"

2. Phillis Wheatley

Phillis Wheatley was an African slave that became the first published Black poet in 1767. Sold into slavery at age seven or eight, the Wheatley's, who gave Phillis her surname, supported Wheatley in pursuing her studies.

"Remember Christians, Negroes black as Cain, may be refin'd, and join th' angelic train."

3. Little Rock Nine

The Little Rock Nine were a group of nine students that were in enrolled in the previously all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in the fall of 1957. The enrollment of these students led to the famous trial of Brown v. Board of Education which declared the segregation of public schools unconstitutional.

"The humiliating expectations and traditions of segregation creep over you, slowly stealing a teaspoonful of your self-esteem each day." -Melba Pattillo Beals

4. Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker is known as one of America's first women to become a self-made millionaire. Although most well known for her line of hair products, she is also recognized for her philanthropic and educational efforts.

"I got my start by giving myself a start."

5. Frederick Douglas

Frederick Douglass was a former slave and a major anti-slavery leader of the 1800s. He is well known for his memoir, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave.

"I didn't know I was a slave until I found out I couldn't do the things I wanted."

6. Langston Hughes

As a writer and poet, Langston Hughes has become one of the major Black voices of the 1900s. He is most recognized for writing about the everyday lives of ordinary people.

"What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun?... Or does it explode?"

7. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou is perhaps most well known for autobiographical piece, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Additionally, she has been recognized for her poetry, spoken word, acting, and activism.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

8. Alice Walker

Alice Walker, a civil rights activist, was the former editor of Ms. magazine. Although Walker is recognized as a poet and essayist, she is most well known for her novel The Color Purple which was later adapted into a film.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

9. Mahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson spent time working in real estate and as a shop owner while pursuing her love for music. Eventually, she became a famous gospel singer and sang at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.

"Sometimes you ask God for something and you don't know what you're asking."

10. Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu is a 1984 Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Most well known for his work in South Africa, Tutu has been a strong advocate of equality and peace making for decades.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of oppressor."

Although Black History Month is observed during the 28 days of February, there is never a bad time to strength your knowledge and expand your horizons. Even learning a little bit one person can make a difference. And if you think one of these ten people, or any other Black icons are super cool then tell somebody about it. Tell your little sister, your best friend, your dad, or a classmate how much you look up to the Little Rock Nine or Desmond Tutu. It is vital that we create and celebrate role models to represent every face in our country.