WE Honor All History, Especially Black History!

The True History Behind Black History Month and Why It Is Celebrated Today

Black History Month is celebrated every February to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans. Its origins can be traced back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week. Woodson, deeply concerned about the lack of recognition of Black people's achievements in mainstream history, established this week to highlight their significant impact on society. The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14), two key figures in the fight for African American freedom.

Over the years, as the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum in the 1960s and 1970s, the demand for a deeper acknowledgment of Black history grew. In 1976, during the U.S. bicentennial celebrations, President Gerald Fordofficially recognized February as Black History Month, encouraging Americans to honor the often-overlooked contributions of African Americans in every field.

Today, Black History Month is not only about remembering the past but also addressing ongoing racial inequality. It serves as a platform to educate people about the struggles for freedom and equality faced by Black Americans, from slavery to segregation and the Civil Rights Movement. The month also serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice, tackling issues like systemic racism, police brutality, and unequal access to resources.

Black History Month provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn about the achievements of African Americans, both past and present. It celebrates figures like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou, as well as the culture, creativity, and resilience of Black communities.

7 Iconic Black Figures Often Overlooked:

1. Dr. Alexa Canady (Neurological Surgeon):

   • The first African American woman in the United States to become a neurosurgeon. She broke barriers in medicine, dedicating her career to neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery.

2. Dr. St. Elmo Brady (Mathematician & Educator):

   • The first African American man to earn a PhD in chemistry in the U.S. He became a key figure in advancing African American education, especially in the sciences, founding the first graduate program in chemistry at a historically black college.

3. Dr. Charles Drew (Doctor, Medical Researcher):

   • A pioneering surgeon and researcher known for his groundbreaking work on blood storage and the development of the blood bank. His contributions to medicine saved countless lives, especially during wartime.

4. Fannie Lou Hamer (Civil Rights Activist and Freedom Fighter):

   • A leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Hamer was instrumental in organizing the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and advocating for voting rights for African Americans, enduring severe personal hardships in the process.

5. Claudette Colvin (Civil Rights Activist):

   • Often overshadowed by Rosa Parks, Colvin was the first African American woman to be arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, months before Parks' iconic protest.

6. Dr. Ernest Everett Just (Biologist and Educator):

   • A pioneering African American biologist whose work in cellular biology and embryology helped establish many of the foundational principles of modern cell biology. He was also an advocate for the education and development of African American students in science.

7. Dr. George Washington Carver (Agricultural Scientist and Inventor):

   • Carver was an agricultural scientist, educator, and inventor who developed hundreds of products from peanuts, sweet potatoes, and other crops. His work helped revolutionize American agriculture and contributed to economic empowerment for African American farmers in the early 20th century. Carver is often remembered for his contributions to sustainable farming practices and for his role as a mentor to farmers across the United States.

4 Black Kings and Queens Whose Histories Are Hidden:

1. Queen Nzinga (Queen of Ndongo and Matamba):

   • A fierce warrior queen who led her kingdom against Portuguese colonization in Angola in the 17th century. She was known for her military strategies, political savvy, and leadership, making her one of Africa's most revered queens.

2. King Shaka Zulu (Leader of the Zulu Kingdom):

   • The founder of the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka Zulu revolutionized warfare in Southern Africa with his innovative military tactics, consolidating various groups into one powerful empire. His leadership and vision shaped the course of African history.

3. Empress Taytu Betul (Empress of Ethiopia):

   • Taytu Betul was the wife of Emperor Menelik II and played a significant role in the victory of the Ethiopian forces against the Italian invasion at the Battle of Adwa in 1896, a key moment in the resistance against European colonization.

4. King Mansa Musa I (Emperor of Mali):

   • Known as one of the wealthiest individuals in history, Mansa Musa was the emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century. He is famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he gave away so much gold that it destabilized economies across North Africa.

8 Interesting Contributions Black People Made Around the World Before the 1600's:

Before the 1600s, Black people made invaluable contributions to human civilization across the globe, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Despite the lack of widespread historical documentation due to the circumstances of slavery and colonialism, there is ample evidence of the achievements and influences that Black individuals and societies had on the development of the world. Below are several key contributions that Black people made before the 1600s:

1. Ancient Egypt and the Nile Valley Civilizations

• Engineering and Architecture: The ancient Egyptian civilization, which flourished along the Nile River for thousands of years, produced some of the world’s most impressive architectural and engineering feats. The Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Temple of Karnak are just a few examples of monumental constructions that showcase sophisticated engineering techniques that have influenced architecture globally.

• Mathematics and Astronomy: Egyptians were pioneers in mathematics, geometry, and astronomy. They developed a calendar based on the lunar and solar cycles, which was used for agricultural and religious purposes. Egyptian mathematics was foundational to later developments in geometry and algebra, and the knowledge of the stars and planets informed navigation and timekeeping across the ancient world.

• Medicine: Ancient Egyptian medical texts reveal an advanced understanding of anatomy, surgical techniques, and remedies. Egyptian physicians were some of the earliest to practice medicine in a systematic, empirical manner. Imhotep, a polymath, is considered one of the first doctors in recorded history, later deified as a god of medicine and healing.

2. The Kingdom of Kush

• Political and Military Power: The Kingdom of Kush, located to the south of Egypt (modern-day Sudan), was a powerful empire that not only conquered Egypt but also ruled as the 25th Dynasty of Pharaohs, known as the "Kushite Dynasty." Notable rulers such as Piankhi and Taharqa expanded the kingdom’s influence in both Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa, leaving a lasting legacy in the history of African civilizations.

• Cultural and Architectural Achievements: The Kushites were known for their distinctive pyramids at Meroe, which served as royal burial sites, and their contributions to metallurgy and trade. Kushite rulers were often buried with elaborate tombs, and their cultural influence extended to Egypt, where they played a role in preserving many African traditions.

3. The Mali Empire

• Wealth and Trade: The Mali Empire (circa 1235–1600) was one of the richest empires in history, primarily due to its control over the gold and salt trade in West Africa. The empire was known for its vast wealth, particularly under the rule of Mansa Musa, who is often regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals to have ever lived. His famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, where he distributed vast amounts of gold, is legendary for its demonstration of Mali's economic power.

• Education and Scholarship: Timbuktu, a major city in Mali, became a leading center of education, science, and culture. The University of Sankore was a renowned institution that attracted scholars from across the Islamic world and Africa. It housed extensive libraries and advanced knowledge in astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and theology.

• Architecture and Art: The Mali Empire is also known for its impressive architectural achievements, particularly in the construction of mosques and other buildings in mud brick, exemplified by the Great Mosque of Djenné.

4. The Kingdom of Axum (Aksum)

• Trade and Civilization: The Kingdom of Axum (circa 100 AD – 940 AD), located in modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, was one of the great civilizations of the ancient world. Axum was an important trading empire that controlled parts of the Red Sea, linking Africa with the Middle East, India, and the Mediterranean world. The empire thrived due to its trade in ivory, gold, and other commodities.

• Religion: Axum is also significant for its early adoption of Christianity in the 4th century, making it one of the first states in the world to officially embrace the religion. The Kingdom of Axum’s Christian legacy continues to be important in Ethiopian history and culture.

• Architecture and Engineering: The Axumite people are famous for their towering obelisk structures, which were used as grave markers for royalty. These obelisks remain a significant part of Ethiopia’s architectural heritage.

5. The Oyo Empire

• Political System and Military Strength: The Oyo Empire (circa 1300–1600) was one of the most powerful empires in West Africa. Located in present-day Nigeria, it was known for its advanced political system, which was a combination of monarchy and a powerful council of advisers. The military prowess of the Oyo Empire was also central to its success, with a well-organized cavalry and the ability to control vast territories.

• Cultural Influence: The Oyo Empire left a rich cultural legacy in arts, religion, and governance. The Yoruba people, who were the primary ethnic group in the Oyo Empire, produced great art, including sculptures and intricate textiles, which continue to influence African culture today.

6. African Contributions to the Islamic World

• Islamic Scholarship: Following the spread of Islam across Africa in the 7th and 8th centuries, many African scholars made key contributions to the Islamic Golden Age in fields like astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. Notable figures include Ibn Khaldun, a historian and philosopher of the 14th century whose work laid the foundation for the modern discipline of sociology.

• Mansa Musa’s Influence: As mentioned earlier, Mansa Musa of Mali made significant contributions to Islamic culture, particularly through his patronage of scholars and the development of libraries and mosques in his empire.

7. African Presence in Early European History

• Military and Diplomatic Engagement: Throughout the medieval period, many Africans played roles in European courts, armies, and as diplomats. For instance, Prince Afonso of Kongo, a ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo, corresponded with Portuguese monarchs and Christian missionaries, demonstrating Africa's engagement in global diplomacy well before the 1600s.

• The Moors in Spain and Portugal: The Moors, who were predominantly North African Muslims, ruled parts of Spain and Portugal for over 700 years, from the 8th century until the Reconquista in the 15th century. During this time, they made significant contributions to European culture in areas such as science, architecture (e.g., the Alhambra), agriculture (irrigation and crop cultivation techniques), and mathematics (Algebra).

8. Philosophy and Intellectual Thought

• Askia Muhammad I (circa 1443–1538): A ruler of the Songhai Empire, Askia Muhammad is remembered for his contributions to the Islamic educational system, fostering learning and scholarship in his empire. Under his rule, the city of Timbuktu became a center of Islamic learning.

• The Influence of Ancient Egyptian Thought: Many scholars argue that ancient Egyptian philosophy, with its focus on justice, balance, and morality, deeply influenced later civilizations in both Africa and Europe, particularly through concepts of cosmology, ethics, and governance.