Celebrate Black History Month!
February is Black History Month! This wonderful celebration of pride in one’s cultural heritage began in 1976 and allows us to remember many of the major people & events that have shaped our history. Read on to learn about a few inspirational people - both past & present - who have displayed confidence in the face of adversity & can be deemed as true role models!
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1) Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America & the first ever African–American to be elected into office! Thanks to his mixed background (his father hails from Africa, while his mother is originally from Kansas), Obama is thought to epitomize the diversity found in America. During his presidential run, his position lured many young & first time voters to stand up & make a difference with his infamous campaign slogan “Yes we can!” We think of him this month for his ceaseless efforts to support numerous social matters & increase harmony between all sectors of the government! (www.biography.com)
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2) Maya Angelou is known for being an incredibly important African American author & public speaker in the 20th century! She started in the 1940′s as the first woman cable car conductor & gradually came forth as very talented singer & writer. It was only until the 1970′s when Angelou started considering a career as a director & poet that her passion for equality became greatly apparent. We mention Angelou for her famous autobiography “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” (1970). The book is known as pivotal piece of African American writing because of it’s topic surrounding civil rights activism & importance of true strength of character! (www.biography.com)
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3) Raven Lydia Baxter plays Raven-Symone on Disney’s T.V. sitcom show “That’s So Raven”. As the energetic & confident lead character, Raven has been a great role model for young girls over the years & has helped the show break many barriers. Specifically, “the series was the highest-rated series in the history of Disney Channel & the first series to garner more than three-million viewers; the longest-running original series in Disney Channel history; & only one of four live action original series where the stars & many of the supporting cast are minorities” (Wikipedia, 2011).
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Being a part the efforts to create equality in all areas of life (including the entertainment business)? Very, very cool! Stay tuned for a 2nd installment celebrating Black History Month… Coming soon!
