Every February, we honor and celebrate African Americans. Black History Month starts on Feb. 1 and lasts until March 1, and its significance stands true to this day. We’re meant to remember important people and events in history and continue to give space to the struggles African Americans have faced. This group has made history and it’s important to reflect on their impact. Here are influential icons that I would like to honor this Black History Month.
- Bayard Rustin
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Bayard Rustin was an activist and key organizer during the Civil Rights Movement. He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr. Rustin actually introduced King into the principles of nonviolent resistance. During the Civil Rights Movement, this principle was key in creating change. Rustin was not only an activist for civil rights, but was also involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and global human rights. He fought for justice and equality for all.
- Claudette Colvin
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Claudette Colvin was also a pioneer during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a bus at the age of 15. This was only 9 months before Rosa Parks did the same thing. Colvin was arrested for refusing to give up her seat, though oftentimes we only hear about Parks’ situation. With these acts of defiance, Colvin would eventually become a part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a large movement that was against the policy of racial segregation on the public transit system of Montgomery, Alabama.
- Bessie Coleman
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Bessie Coleman was most known for being the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license. She had to overcome racial and gender discrimination and wasn’t able to enter pilot schools in the U.S. due to racial discrimination. However, she was able to travel to France to get her license in 1921 and entered the industry as a stunt pilot, using her skills in the air. She was a fighter at heart who did anything to pursue her dreams.
- Chadwick Boseman
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Chadwick Boseman was more than an actor. He was an activist and a kind soul. I remember seeing Boseman for the first time as Black Panther and he left me stunned. He had so much more work to do before his passing, but his impact will always be felt. Boseman promoted the Black Lives Matter Movement and his representation mattered during that time.
- Shirley Chisholm
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Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to Congress. She always stood by representation and showed that you can’t represent if you don’t show up. Being the first black woman elected to Congress, Chisholm opened so many doors for future representatives. Her impact showed that it’s incredibly important to have people in power who represent the people.
Black history should be celebrated for more than just the month; we should celebrate those lives every day and honor their history. The impact of just these five people can still be felt today. It’s because of their actions that we have black pilots, black people in Congress, and black activists. Their sacrifices and actions have given freedom to those who need it, now more than ever.