Black History Month

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2012/02/top_10_films_to_celebrate_blac.php

     Black History Month, a time where every one takes great recognition towards African American individuals who have led the righteous path that we now walk on today. We listen to Dr. King's famous I have a dream speech, watch re enactments of Rosa's Parks stand against discriminatory behavior, and admire Harriet Tubman  for her courageous strength for creating the road to freedom. These African Americans are  the definition of leaders, but who else made a difference. We tend to take notice of the most well known African American historical figures during Black History Month which is great, but in this post I wanted to devote attention to the not so recognized ones that have made great changes for both me and you.

http://quietlunch.com/tag/shirley-chisholm/

     Shirley Chisholm a woman known for her unfearful personality of challenging the status quo got her self a seat in the New York's State Assembly in 1964. In 1968 she was the first black woman to ever be elected into the U.S House of Representatives Congress. Her goal was to always advertise education for the youth at an early age which was made possible when she later then became a member of the Education and Labor Committees. During her time in this Committee she fought for; women rights, Native Americans, Haitian refugees, migrant farm workers, and the poor. She worked on behalf of African American Colleges, became an early member of the National Organization for Women, Co-founder of the Women's Political Caucus, and founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. A women of success to the fullest devoting her time to help not only her own race but the other minorities as well.
    Chisholm also played a part in ensuring that the MLK day we celebrate today was to become a national holiday. After Dr.King's assassination in 1968, legislation for a national holiday to be celebrated in King's honor was proposed by Michigan Congressman John Conyers but was put on hold. Chisholm joined forces with Conyers to resubmit the idea every legislative session until it was finally passed in 1983. She died in 1991 at the age of 80 and was asked before how she wanted to be remembered and she responded by saying, " I'd like them to say that Sherry Chisholm had guts..." I for sure will remember Miss Sherry Chisholm as just that.

http://www.af.mil/information/heritage/person.asp?dec=&pid=123006470

     Guion Bluford, 'in West Philadelphia born and raised' (had to throw a Fresh Prince shout out in there) born on November 22, 1942 became the first African American astronaut to ever go into Space in 1983. His historic fly was also the first nighttime launch and landing. Bluford was also a Pilot for the Airforce and an aerospace engineer. His education consist of many degrees. Bluford has received a bachelor of science degree in aerospace engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1964; a master of science degree with distinction in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1974; a doctor of philosophy in aerospace engineering with a minor in laser physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1978, and a master in business administration from the University of Houston, in 1987. The sky is surely not the limit for Bluford.
     I wanted to bring attention to other African American heroes of both historic and recent times, and I hope this post did just that. Even though Black History Month is almost over I don't think that we should stop celebrating and continue giving recognition to the success of those that have made a difference. Keep on Celebrating!