The influential individuals of Black History helped paved the way for people today to become changemakers. Not only is Black History Month a time to remember the past but a time to learn. The sacrifices, courage and accomplishments of prominent Black figures like Jackie Robinson, Madam C.J. Walker and Mary Jackson have influenced and inspired the Black community to create, organize, change and become the “first” in many things. Check out these five individuals who are shining in their passion.
Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in the history of the United States. Not only is she an award-winning writer but she is a graduate of Harvard University. She has written for the New York Times, and she has books of her own, “Something Someday”, “Call us What We Carry” and “Change Sings” just to name a few. Gorman has earned recognition from Scholastic Inc., and the Glamour magazine College Women of the Year Awards. Her work has gained speaking invitations to CBS This Morning, the Library of Congress and Lincoln Center. Amongst all her accomplishments and accolades in 2017, she was appointed the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate by Urban Word.
Harris is a mechanical engineer, keynote speaker and an advocate for STEM education. His work at NASA began when he was 16 years old, he worked with a team on the James Webb Space Telescope which would detect light from stars billions of light years away. Forbes Magazine recognized him among the world’s youngest individuals in science. With 15 years of experience in the industry, Harris has led several successful missions and has received awards and honors because of his leadership in the STEM Field. Currently, he serves as the District 7 Member of the Board of Education in Maryland.
Aiken is an executive coach and social impact entrepreneur who guides individuals to unlock leadership potential and organizational growth. She founded the educational consulting group A. Leigh Solutions which works with schools nationwide and locally, providing solutions to issues like turnaround strategies, recruitment and implementing trauma-informed practices. Aiken is also a Harvard Doctoral student; she has received the Presidential Public Service Fellowship award which helped her continue her research. The research focuses on ensuring that Women of Color become thieving successful leaders. She has a variety of experience that has helped her build her business and allowed her to be helpful to others.
In the late 80’s he was diagnosed with HIV and just two years after his diagnosis he lost his partner to AIDS. Wilson then began to spread awareness and educate other individuals about the disease, at the time there was very little information about it. In 1999 he founded the Black AIDS Institute while also managing the responsibility of AIDS coordinator for the city of Los Angeles and the director of policy and planning for AIDS Project Los Angeles. The institute ensured education that focused on surrounding prevention and treatment. In 2010 former President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to his President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA). He’s currently retired as president of the Black AIDS Institute.
These four individuals are just some of many. So many Black people are living out Black History. Honoring those of the past and learning about those of the future is what keeps the cycle of Black History going, the true key is to learn and honor Black History all year long. What are your interests, passions, your major? Check out Black individuals trailblazing along the way.
Happy Black History Month! 🤎