Ah Black History Month, a time where we celebrate African-American achievements and occasionally get the ever-so lovely “Why isn’t there a White History Month” complaint from internet trolls or a disgruntled white person who feels just a little left out. Other than making those said people upset, it is a time to reflect on black people’s achievements, from the arts to the world of science. Essentially, this month is dedicated to giving people their time in the sun so to speak, considering that they have always been left out until now. This article is dedicated to celebrating the hidden figures, the underdogs, and the unknowns of black history (that means no MLK, Rosa Parks, or Malcolm X in this article). I givve you some of the most influential black figures you may have never heard about.
Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799): Champion fencer, violinist, and conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris. This “Black Mozart” was the son of a slave and rose up to become one of the most influential figures of the 18th century. Despite being popular in his works of music and fencing, Saint-Georges had to face prejudice like many other blacks of his time. It made it all the more interesting hearing that he joined an anti-slavery movement in England and was in charge of an all-black regiment during the French Revolutionary War.
Mary Edmonia Lewis (1844-1911): The first woman of African-American and Native American descent to gain international recognition as a sculptor and the first black woman to be recognized as an artist during her time. Lewis would often incorporate her themes relating to black people and Native American issues of the country into neoclassical styles. Her famous work is “The Death of Cleopatra”, a statue of Cleopatra herself in which many people considered a frank portrayal of death.
Ella Baker (1903 -1986): A fighter for equality to the bitter end, Baker was a Civil Rights Activist that had a strong and evoking personality. She organized movements and protests, became a national director for the NAACP, and worked with influential figures like Dr. King and W.E.B DuBois.
James Baldwin (1924-1987): He’s not your Negro anymore. This writer always packed a punch with his words, creating masterpieces such as Giovanni’s Room and Notes of a Native Son. His works would not only talk about the issues of black America, but also gay and bisexual men and their own quest for social acceptance. Even if folks tried to ignore his literature, they couldn’t ignore his voice and the way he used during his years as an activist.
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988): An artist that helped make graffiti accepted as an art, Basquiat focused on neo-expressionism and primitivism. He used many of his works to talking about systems of racism and power structures. Needless to say, that he was an influential figure.
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005): Before Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, there was Shirley Chisholm. She was the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s Presidential nomination and the first African-American Woman to be elected in the U.S Congress. Her other talents include: politician, educator, and author.
Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960): You know the “There Eyes Were Watching God” books you had to read during high school? This lady right here is the author of that same book. Not only that, but she’s responsible for over 50 plays, short stories, and essays. What was interesting about all of her work is that it introduced culture mixed in with intriguing southern dialect.
