black history month facts
Black History Month Facts
February is celebrated as the Black history month in the United States. Following facts should help you know more on the achievements of the African-Americans.
- George Washington Carver (1860-1943) - He was the man who gave the world, the kids peanut butter. So it's all because of Mr Carver, kids today enjoy their peanut butter sandwiches so much.
- Madame C.J. Walker (1867-1919) - Was the first African-American to come with hair care invention and went on to become the first self made female millionaire in North America
- Harriet Tubman (1820-1913) - She earned the name Moses, as she helped hundreds of slaves escape to the northern U.S and Canada.
- Mary Ann Shadd (1823-1893) - She was the first female lawyer and also the first female newspaper editor of the U.S. She was also the first woman to open a school in Canada that was open to all races.
- Robert Johnson (1911-1938) - He was the famous guitarist who inspired various other artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King.
- Jesse Owens (1913-1980) - He was the first American to have won 4 gold medals in one Olympics. He was subjected to racism all through his college life but he still stood strong and made the record of the gold medals in Berlin Olympics of 1936.
- Rosa Parks (1913-2005) - She is one of the most famous women in American history. She was the woman who stood for her rights and refused to give up a seat on the bus to a white man which sparked off the civil rights movement. Parks went to jail for her refusal but ultimately came out a winner in the case against the state.
- Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) - He was the first black player to play in Major League Baseball. Even though he had to face the wrath of people, Jackie Robinson emerged winner when he was awarded rookie of the year in his second season
- Sidney Poitier (1924) - He was the first African-American to win an Academy Award for the Best Actor in 1963.
- Martin Luther King Jr (1929-1968) - One of the most influential personalities who rigidly practiced the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. He led anti-violence demonstrations against racial discrimination, one of which was to Washington.