Its February 1st, and you know what that means, its Black History Month! This month is dedicated to celebrating black culture, and our achievements. Individuals like Jackie Robinson, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela sacrificed their lives for future generations. For that I thank you. For those who feel that black history is unappreciated, I am with you! I love history, but how many times do I have to learn about King Louis XVI or the American Revolution? I can't forget to mention the number of lectures I’ve sat in pertaining to The Renaissance Era. But what about Harlem Renaissance, or the Civil Rights Movement, and even King Shaka Zulu? *Eye Roll*
Nevertheless, I did not come here to complain about what's wrong in history classes. We need CHANGE and the only way we'll see change is if we act on it right now. Therefore, we need more African American history professors. Point Blank Period. Also, take advantage of technology. Watch the documentaries YouTube and Netflix have to offer. Read the posts on Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram, they are just as resourceful as History.com. EDUCATE YOURSELF.
Below are individuals who made an impact on black culture.
Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was a singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist. She began her career at the Cotton Club as a nightclub performer at the age of 16. Horne starred in films such as Cabin in The Sky, Stormy Weather, The Wiz, and The Duke is Tops. Horne revealed her array of talents when she headlined in numerous Broadway shows including her one-woman show Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music.
Alvin Ailey was a dancer, choreographer, and activist. He developed a passion for dance after joining the Lester Horton Dance Company. In 1958, Ailey founded the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York City. Ailey felt it was crucial to incorporate African dance techniques, and multi-racial dancers to demonstrate equality. He essentially universalized the beauty of modern dance and paved the way for African American Dancers.
Gordon Parks was a groundbreaking photographer, writer, and film director. Parks was the first African American photographer for Vogue and Life Magazines. In addition, he is credited as being the first African American to direct a major motion picture. His body of work focused on the racial segregation, poverty, and urban life of America in the 1940s until his death.
Ophelia DeVore refined the modeling/fashion industry. DeVore began her modeling career at the age of 16. Due to racial discrimination in the modeling industry, DeVore created the Grace Del Marco Modeling Agency. Her modeling school contributed to the success of Diahann Carroll, Helen Williams, and Cicely Tyson. Also, she founded the Ophelia DeVore School of Self- Development and Modeling. As a result of her beauty and business expertise, DeVore pioneered the way for African American models.
Additional Historical Figures:
Diahann Carroll (Actress)
Angela Davis (Activist)
Langston Hughes (Writer)
Louis Armstrong (American Trumpeter)
Janet Collins (Ballet Dancer)
Moms Mabley (Comedian)
Jacob Lawrence (Painter)
Duke Ellington (Composer)
Christina Jenkins (Hair weaving)
Jackie Ormes (Cartoonist)
William DeHart Hubbard (Olympic Athlete)
Joe Lewis (Boxer)
