Black History Month is 28 days of memories, legacy, and a blueprint.
Many important and prominent people are celebrated that month.
Martin Luther King Jr. is a perennial favorite.
“When I think of Black History Month, the people who come to mind are either myself or Beyoncé,” Kennedee Coleman, sophomore, said. “Malcom X is very inspirational to me because he is a prominent civil rights leader.
“I love Beyoncé because her music is so cultured and it shows me how any Black girl can become or do whatever they want. I learned through Martin Luther King Jr. that we can all be equal,” Coleman said.
“Martin Luther King Jr. comes to my mind when I think of Black History Month,” Adam Tate, computer teacher, said. “Ben Carson is also inspirational because he taught himself how to do things at a young age. My favorite poet Maya Angelou because her literature makes me feel in the poetry. I learned that quality is worth the struggle. The success of future generations is more important than the success of myself.”
Athletes and politicians are also popular.
“I think of Jackie Robinson for Black History Month because he was the first African American baseball player,” Naomi Davis, junior, said. “He also went through struggles to get success. Also, Martin Luther King Jr. because he is the reason our country is culturally joined. It’s this art piece I love called Stony Quilts by Faith Ringgold because they show the stories and faces on multiple small sheets quilted together which helps me understand Black history more. Everyone is equal no matter where we came from or what we look like.”
“When I think of this question the people that come to mind are the Obamas because that was Black governmental history made,” Teresa Bradley, 911 dispatcher, said. “Madame C.J. Walker, who is a contributor to Black hair products. Also, I myself being a master hair stylist, and knowing that there was a Black female that became a millionaire in the hair industry during such a time in her life. One of the most prestigious aspects for me is being able to get an education and obtain different degrees.
Others remember the tragedy of slavery.
“I think of all the African American people who went through slavery and all the things we went through,” Ma’Khayiah Hairston, junior, said.”I think of Rosa Parks as an inspirational figure because I admire how she didn’t give up her seat. Encourage and love each other because there’s nothing stronger than hate but love.”
